🔗 Share this article

Four people lost their lives in Nairobi when armed personnel shot and employed chemical irritants to scatter huge gatherings at a venue where political figure Raila Odinga's body was on public view.

National Figure Mourned

The politician, who was a major force in the nation's political landscape for decades, passed away on that day at eight decades while in hospital care in the Asian nation.

He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we experience those liberties today because of his efforts.

Turmoil Unfolds at Venue

Countless supporters congregated on thoroughfares from sunrise, with disorder erupting when massive group breached a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, causing soldiers to discharge weapons upward.

• Two individuals perished from bullets at the venue
• Casualties later rose to four
• Many people sustained injuries
• Law enforcement used teargas to scatter countless mourners

Aviation Hub Incident and Parliament Standoff

Previously that day, numerous of grievers momentarily entered the capital's aviation hub, interrupting a ceremony where the head of state and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's corpse with armed forces tribute.

This incident prompted a brief stoppage of aviation services.

Groups also flooded nearby roads and sought to penetrate the legislative building, where the authorities had originally scheduled the public viewing.

Political Heritage and Ethnic Support

Although primarily recognized as an government critic, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with the leader last year in a career defined by evolving coalitions.

He inspired strong loyalty among followers, particularly in his cultural background based in the nation's western region, many of whom contend he was denied the highest office by election irregularities.

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