🔗 Share this article

Four people were killed in Kenya's capital when armed personnel opened fire and employed chemical irritants to disperse huge gatherings at a stadium where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was lying in state.

National Leader Honored

The statesman, who had been a prominent player in the country's governance for a long period, succumbed on Wednesday at age 80 while undergoing healthcare in the subcontinent.

He fought tirelessly for democratic systems, and we benefit from those freedoms today because of his efforts.

Chaos Unfolds at Arena

Countless supporters congregated on the streets from early morning, with disorder erupting when massive group breached a gate at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting armed forces to shoot skyward.

• Two individuals perished from bullets at the venue
• Casualties later rose to four
• Scores of persons got wounded
• Authorities used teargas to clear thousands grievers

Aviation Hub Disruption and Parliament Standoff

Earlier in the day, numerous of grievers temporarily invaded Nairobi's international airport, disrupting a ceremony where the nation's leader and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's remains with armed forces tribute.

This situation caused a temporary halt of flight activities.

Groups also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and tried to enter the legislative building, where the administration had first arranged the open visitation.

Political Heritage and Ethnic Support

Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga served as senior minister in 2008 and also established a political pact with the leader last year in a career characterized by shifting alliances.

He inspired passionate devotion among adherents, especially in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was prevented from obtaining the presidency by vote manipulation.

Numerous of Odinga's followers, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya became a pluralistic political system, paid tribute to Odinga's efforts as an activist.