🔗 Share this article

Four people perished in Nairobi when law enforcement discharged weapons and deployed teargas to disperse massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was displayed for homage.

Political Leader Remembered

The politician, who remained a prominent player in the nation's political landscape for many years, died on that day at age 80 while undergoing healthcare in the subcontinent.

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

Disorder Erupts at Venue

Numerous supporters congregated on thoroughfares from sunrise, with disorder erupting when a large crowd broke through a entrance at the city's central arena, prompting soldiers to fire in the air.

• Two people lost their lives to gunfire at the venue
• Death toll subsequently increased to four
• Many persons were hurt
• Authorities employed irritants to disperse numerous grievers

Aviation Hub Incident and Parliament Situation

Previously that day, thousands of grievers briefly stormed Nairobi's international airport, halting a official event where President William Ruto and other officials were receiving Odinga's corpse with formal recognition.

This incident led to a temporary halt of aviation services.

Crowds also flooded nearby roads and tried to enter parliament, where the administration had first arranged the public viewing.

National Heritage and Community Devotion

Although primarily recognized as an opposition figure, Odinga served as senior minister in 2008 and also formed a agreement with the president last year in a public service marked by shifting alliances.

He commanded strong loyalty among adherents, especially in his ethnic group based in western Kenya, many of whom contend he was denied the nation's leadership by electoral fraud.

Many of Odinga's mourners, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a pluralistic political system, offered homage to Odinga's efforts as an activist.