Calamity Occurs as Four Lose Lives During Mourning for Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga
Four people lost their lives in Kenya's capital when security forces opened fire and used teargas to disperse huge gatherings at a sports arena where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was displayed for homage.
Political Leader Mourned
The politician, who had been a significant presence in Kenyan politics for many years, died on midweek at age 80 while undergoing healthcare in India.
He struggled relentlessly for multi-party democracy, and we are enjoying those liberties today because of his work.
Disorder Breaks Out at Venue
Countless supporters gathered on roadways from dawn, with disorder erupting when massive group forced open a gate at the capital's primary venue, causing soldiers to discharge weapons upward.
- Two individuals were shot dead at the venue
- Death toll subsequently increased to four people
- Scores of individuals got wounded
- Authorities deployed chemical agents to scatter countless mourners
Airport Disruption and Parliament Situation
During the morning, countless of supporters temporarily invaded the capital's aviation hub, halting a formal proceeding where President William Ruto and other officials were accepting Odinga's remains with military honors.
This event led to a brief stoppage of aviation services.
Crowds also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and tried to enter parliament, where the authorities had first arranged the public viewing.
National Impact and Ethnic Support
Though mainly known as an government critic, Odinga became prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with the leader last year in a career defined by evolving coalitions.
He commanded passionate devotion among adherents, especially in his ethnic group based in the country's west, many of whom believe he was denied the highest office by electoral fraud.
Many of Odinga's mourners, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, paid tribute to Odinga's contributions as an activist.