🔗 Share this article

Four people lost their lives in Nairobi when security forces opened fire and deployed teargas to scatter massive crowds at a stadium where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was lying in state.

National Figure Honored

The statesman, who was a prominent player in the country's governance for decades, passed away on midweek at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in the Asian nation.

He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we experience those liberties today because of his efforts.

Turmoil Erupts at Arena

Numerous devotees congregated on the streets from early morning, with mayhem breaking out when massive group broke through a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting soldiers to fire in the air.

• Two individuals lost their lives to gunfire at the location
• Fatalities subsequently increased to four
• Scores of people sustained injuries
• Police used teargas to clear countless grievers

Airport Disruption and Parliament Situation

Previously that day, numerous of mourners temporarily invaded the city's air terminal, interrupting a ceremony where the nation's leader and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's corpse with armed forces tribute.

This event led to a brief stoppage of airport operations.

Assemblies also flooded adjacent streets and sought to penetrate parliament, where the authorities had originally scheduled the open visitation.

National Legacy and Community Support

While predominantly identified as an government critic, Odinga assumed the role of senior minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with the leader last year in a public service marked by evolving coalitions.

He commanded intense commitment among supporters, especially in his Luo community based in the nation's western region, many of whom contend he was denied the nation's leadership by election irregularities.

Numerous of Odinga's supporters, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a pluralistic political system, paid tribute to Odinga's efforts as an advocate.