🔗 Share this article

Four people lost their lives in Nairobi when armed personnel shot and deployed teargas to disperse enormous assemblies at a venue where opposition leader Raila Odinga's body was lying in state.

Political Figure Mourned

Odinga, who remained a major force in Kenyan politics for decades, passed away on Wednesday at eight decades while in hospital care in India.

He fought tirelessly for political pluralism, and we are enjoying those liberties today because of his struggle.

Turmoil Breaks Out at Venue

Thousands supporters congregated on thoroughfares from sunrise, with mayhem erupting when massive group forced open a gate at Nairobi's main stadium, causing armed forces to shoot skyward.

• Two people perished from bullets at the stadium
• Fatalities subsequently increased to four
• Many individuals got wounded
• Police deployed chemical agents to clear numerous attendees

Airport Incident and Government Building Confrontation

Earlier in the day, thousands of supporters temporarily invaded the city's air terminal, interrupting a ceremony where President William Ruto and government representatives were welcoming Odinga's corpse with military honors.

This incident led to a temporary halt of airport operations.

Groups also occupied surrounding thoroughfares and sought to penetrate the government complex, where the government had initially planned the open visitation.

Political Legacy and Ethnic Devotion

While predominantly identified as an government critic, Odinga became head of government in 2008 and also formed a alliance with the leader last year in a political journey characterized by changing partnerships.

He generated strong loyalty among supporters, particularly in his Luo community based in the nation's western region, many of whom contend he was prevented from obtaining the presidency by election irregularities.

Many of Odinga's followers, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, paid tribute to Odinga's efforts as an advocate.