Disaster Hits as 4 Lose Lives During Mourning for Kenya's Political Figure Raila Odinga

Four people were killed in the capital city when armed personnel discharged weapons and used teargas to scatter massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's body was displayed for homage.

Political Leader Honored

The statesman, who was a prominent player in the nation's political landscape for decades, passed away on Wednesday at age 80 while in hospital care in the Asian nation.

He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we benefit from those freedoms today because of his efforts.

Chaos Unfolds at Arena

Thousands devotees gathered on roadways from early morning, with chaos occurring when enormous throng broke through a gate at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting soldiers to discharge weapons upward.

• Two individuals lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
• Casualties later rose to 4
• Many people were hurt
• Authorities employed irritants to clear numerous grievers

Aviation Hub Event and Parliament Standoff

Previously that day, thousands of grievers briefly stormed Nairobi's international airport, halting a formal proceeding where the head of state and government representatives were welcoming Odinga's remains with armed forces tribute.

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

Assemblies also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and tried to enter the legislative building, where the administration had initially planned the community homage.

Political Legacy and Ethnic Devotion

Although primarily recognized as an government critic, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and also formed a alliance with the president last year in a career marked by shifting alliances.

He generated intense commitment among adherents, especially in his cultural background based in the country's west, many of whom contend he was prevented from obtaining the nation's leadership by election irregularities.

Countless of Odinga's followers, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-party democracy, expressed respect to Odinga's contributions as an campaigner.