🔗 Share this article

A quartet of persons were killed in Kenya's capital when security forces shot and deployed teargas to scatter massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was on public view.

National Figure Honored

Odinga, who was a prominent player in Kenyan politics for decades, passed away on Wednesday at eight decades while undergoing healthcare in India.

He campaigned vigorously for democratic systems, and we benefit from those liberties today because of his efforts.

Disorder Breaks Out at Venue

Numerous followers assembled on the streets from early morning, with disorder erupting when massive group broke through a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, leading to armed forces to discharge weapons upward.

• Two individuals lost their lives to gunfire at the venue
• Casualties subsequently increased to 4
• Many persons sustained injuries
• Police deployed chemical agents to clear numerous attendees

Airport Incident and Government Building Standoff

During the morning, thousands of supporters momentarily entered Nairobi's international airport, disrupting a formal proceeding where the nation's leader and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's remains with military honors.

This incident caused a two-hour suspension of airport operations.

Groups also flooded adjacent streets and attempted to breach the government complex, where the authorities had first arranged the community homage.

Political Impact and Ethnic Support

Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga became head of government in 2008 and also struck a political pact with Ruto last year in a public service defined by changing partnerships.

He commanded passionate devotion among followers, especially in his cultural background based in the nation's western region, many of whom believe he was denied the presidency by election irregularities.

Countless of Odinga's supporters, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya became a pluralistic political system, expressed respect to Odinga's efforts as an activist.