🔗 Share this article

Four people were killed in Nairobi when security forces shot and used teargas to break up massive crowds at a stadium where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was on public view.

National Figure Mourned

Odinga, who had been a major force in the nation's political landscape for a long period, died on Wednesday at eight decades while receiving medical treatment in the subcontinent.

He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we experience those freedoms today because of his efforts.

Disorder Unfolds at Arena

Thousands supporters congregated on thoroughfares from sunrise, with disorder erupting when enormous throng broke through a gate at the city's central arena, leading to soldiers to fire in the air.

• Two people perished from bullets at the location
• Casualties later rose to four
• Scores of persons were hurt
• Police used teargas to disperse thousands attendees

Airport Event and Government Building Standoff

Previously that day, countless of supporters briefly stormed Nairobi's international airport, interrupting a formal proceeding where President William Ruto and dignitaries were accepting Odinga's remains with military honors.

This incident led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations.

Groups also flooded nearby roads and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the authorities had initially planned the open visitation.

Political Legacy and Community Backing

While predominantly identified as an opposition figure, Odinga assumed the role of prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with Ruto last year in a career characterized by evolving coalitions.

He generated intense commitment among adherents, particularly in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was prevented from obtaining the highest office by electoral fraud.

Countless of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a pluralistic political system, offered homage to Odinga's efforts as an activist.