Tragedy Strikes as Four Killed During Mourning for Kenya's Political Figure Raila Odinga

Four individuals lost their lives in Kenya's capital when law enforcement opened fire and deployed teargas to break up massive crowds at a venue where opposition leader Raila Odinga's corpse was displayed for homage.

National Leader Mourned

The politician, who was a major force in the country's governance for many years, succumbed on that day at age 80 while in hospital care in India.

He struggled relentlessly for multi-party democracy, and we experience those liberties today because of his work.

Disorder Unfolds at Arena

Thousands supporters assembled on thoroughfares from sunrise, with chaos erupting when enormous throng breached a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting soldiers to fire in the air.

• Two individuals perished from bullets at the location
• Casualties later rose to 4
• Scores of individuals were hurt
• Law enforcement employed irritants to scatter countless mourners

Airport Incident and Parliament Standoff

During the morning, countless of supporters temporarily invaded the city's air terminal, interrupting a ceremony where the head of state and government representatives were welcoming Odinga's remains with armed forces tribute.

This event prompted a temporary halt of aviation services.

Crowds also overwhelmed surrounding thoroughfares and sought to penetrate the legislative building, where the government had originally scheduled the open visitation.

Political Impact and Community Support

While predominantly identified as an political challenger, Odinga became senior minister in 2008 and also struck a agreement with the leader last year in a public service marked by changing partnerships.

He generated intense commitment among followers, especially in his ethnic group based in the nation's western region, many of whom maintain he was deprived of the nation's leadership by election irregularities.

Many of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a pluralistic political system, expressed respect to Odinga's efforts as an activist.