Disaster Hits as Four Killed During Mourning for Kenya's Political Figure Raila Odinga
Four people lost their lives in Nairobi when armed personnel discharged weapons and deployed teargas to disperse enormous assemblies at a venue where political figure Raila Odinga's remains was displayed for homage.
National Figure Honored
Odinga, who had been a prominent player in Kenyan politics for decades, succumbed on midweek at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in the subcontinent.
He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we benefit from those liberties today because of his work.
Disorder Breaks Out at Venue
Thousands followers congregated on the streets from sunrise, with chaos breaking out when massive group broke through a entrance at Nairobi's main stadium, causing military personnel to fire in the air.
- Two people were shot dead at the venue
- Death toll subsequently increased to four
- Scores of people were hurt
- Authorities deployed chemical agents to clear countless attendees
Aviation Hub Incident and Parliament Standoff
Previously that day, thousands of grievers momentarily entered the city's air terminal, disrupting a formal proceeding where the head of state and dignitaries were accepting Odinga's body with armed forces tribute.
This incident prompted a two-hour suspension of flight activities.
Crowds also occupied nearby roads and sought to penetrate the legislative building, where the administration had initially planned the open visitation.
National Impact and Ethnic Devotion
Although primarily recognized as an government critic, Odinga assumed the role of head of government in 2008 and also formed a political pact with the president last year in a public service characterized by changing partnerships.
He inspired passionate devotion among adherents, notably in his ethnic group based in the nation's western region, many of whom contend he was deprived of the nation's leadership by vote manipulation.
Many of Odinga's followers, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-faction governance, offered homage to Odinga's efforts as an activist.
