🔗 Share this article

Four individuals perished in the capital city when security forces opened fire and deployed teargas to break up huge gatherings at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's body was displayed for homage.

National Figure Honored

Odinga, who was a significant presence in the country's governance for decades, succumbed on midweek at eight decades while in hospital care in the subcontinent.

He campaigned vigorously for democratic systems, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his work.

Disorder Breaks Out at Venue

Numerous supporters assembled on the streets from early morning, with chaos erupting when enormous throng breached a entrance at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting soldiers to fire in the air.

• A pair of persons lost their lives to gunfire at the venue
• Fatalities subsequently increased to 4
• Numerous persons were hurt
• Authorities deployed chemical agents to disperse thousands grievers

Aviation Hub Incident and Parliament Standoff

Earlier in the day, numerous of supporters briefly stormed Nairobi's international airport, interrupting a official event where President William Ruto and government representatives were receiving Odinga's corpse with formal recognition.

This event prompted a temporary halt of flight activities.

Assemblies also occupied surrounding thoroughfares and tried to enter parliament, where the government had first arranged the community homage.

Political Impact and Ethnic Support

While predominantly identified as an government critic, Odinga became head of government in 2008 and also established a agreement with Ruto last year in a public service characterized by shifting alliances.

He inspired intense commitment among adherents, notably in his Luo community based in the country's west, many of whom believe he was deprived of the presidency by vote manipulation.

Countless of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an campaigner.