Tragedy Hits as 4 Killed During Mourning for Kenya's Opposition Leader Raila Odinga
A quartet of persons were killed in Nairobi when armed personnel discharged weapons and used teargas to break up huge gatherings at a sports arena where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was on public view.
Political Figure Mourned
The politician, who had been a major force in the country's governance for decades, succumbed on Wednesday at eight decades while in hospital care in the Asian nation.
He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his work.
Disorder Breaks Out at Stadium
Thousands followers gathered on roadways from dawn, with disorder occurring when massive group breached a barrier at the city's central arena, leading to armed forces to discharge weapons upward.
- A pair of persons perished from bullets at the venue
- Death toll later rose to four people
- Scores of people sustained injuries
- Police used teargas to disperse thousands mourners
Aviation Hub Disruption and Parliament Standoff
Earlier in the day, countless of mourners temporarily invaded Nairobi's international airport, disrupting a formal proceeding where the head of state and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's body with armed forces tribute.
This incident prompted a brief stoppage of flight activities.
Groups also flooded nearby roads and tried to enter the legislative building, where the authorities had initially planned the community homage.
National Heritage and Community Support
Although primarily recognized as an government critic, Odinga became prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with the leader last year in a public service characterized by evolving coalitions.
He commanded intense commitment among adherents, particularly in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was prevented from obtaining the nation's leadership by election irregularities.
Many of Odinga's mourners, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, expressed respect to Odinga's efforts as an campaigner.
