🔗 Share this article

Four people were killed in the capital city when armed personnel discharged weapons and employed chemical irritants to scatter huge gatherings at a sports arena where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was displayed for homage.

National Figure Remembered

The politician, who had been a prominent player in the country's governance for a long period, succumbed on that day at age 80 while in hospital care in India.

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

Turmoil Erupts at Arena

Countless supporters assembled on roadways from dawn, with chaos occurring when enormous throng broke through a entrance at Nairobi's main stadium, leading to armed forces to fire in the air.

• A pair of persons were shot dead at the location
• Fatalities later rose to four
• Scores of people got wounded
• Police used teargas to disperse thousands mourners

Aviation Hub Disruption and Government Building Standoff

Earlier in the day, numerous of mourners momentarily entered the city's air terminal, interrupting a ceremony where the nation's leader and other officials were receiving Odinga's body with formal recognition.

This event led to a temporary halt of aviation services.

Assemblies also overwhelmed adjacent streets and tried to enter the legislative building, where the authorities had initially planned the public viewing.

National Legacy and Ethnic Backing

While predominantly identified as an political challenger, Odinga assumed the role of prime minister in 2008 and also formed a alliance with the president last year in a career defined by evolving coalitions.

He commanded strong loyalty among followers, notably in his ethnic group based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was denied the highest office by election irregularities.

Many of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy, expressed respect to Odinga's contributions as an advocate.