Calamity Strikes as 4 Killed During Memorial for Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga

Four people were killed in Kenya's capital when armed personnel shot and deployed teargas to break up huge gatherings at a stadium where political figure Raila Odinga's remains was displayed for homage.

National Leader Honored

The politician, who was a major force in Kenyan politics for decades, died on midweek at eight decades while undergoing healthcare in India.

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

Disorder Erupts at Venue

Countless supporters gathered on the streets from dawn, with mayhem breaking out when a large crowd broke through a barrier at the capital's primary venue, leading to soldiers to shoot skyward.

• Two people perished from bullets at the venue
• Casualties later rose to four people
• Numerous individuals sustained injuries
• Law enforcement deployed chemical agents to scatter countless mourners

Aviation Hub Incident and Government Building Standoff

During the morning, thousands of supporters temporarily invaded Nairobi's international airport, interrupting a formal proceeding where President William Ruto and government representatives were receiving Odinga's body with military honors.

This situation prompted a two-hour suspension of flight activities.

Crowds also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the authorities had first arranged the public viewing.

National Heritage and Ethnic Backing

Although primarily recognized as an government critic, Odinga served as senior minister in 2008 and also formed a political pact with the president last year in a career characterized by changing partnerships.

He generated intense commitment among followers, especially in his cultural background based in the nation's western region, many of whom maintain he was deprived of the highest office by vote manipulation.

Numerous of Odinga's mourners, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-party democracy, expressed respect to Odinga's efforts as an activist.