Tragedy Occurs as Four Killed During Mourning for Kenya's Political Figure Raila Odinga
A quartet of persons were killed in Kenya's capital when armed personnel opened fire and deployed teargas to scatter massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was on public view.
Political Leader Honored
The statesman, who was a significant presence in Kenyan politics for a long period, died on Wednesday at 80 years old while in hospital care in the subcontinent.
He fought tirelessly for democratic systems, and we are enjoying those rights today because of his work.
Chaos Breaks Out at Arena
Thousands devotees assembled on the streets from dawn, with chaos occurring when enormous throng breached a gate at the capital's primary venue, leading to armed forces to discharge weapons upward.
- Two people were shot dead at the venue
- Death toll later rose to four
- Scores of people got wounded
- Police deployed chemical agents to scatter countless mourners
Aviation Hub Event and Government Building Situation
During the morning, thousands of grievers temporarily invaded the capital's aviation hub, interrupting a official event where the head of state and government representatives were accepting Odinga's corpse with formal recognition.
This situation prompted a brief stoppage of aviation services.
Groups also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the administration had initially planned the open visitation.
Political Legacy and Community Support
Though mainly known as an political challenger, Odinga assumed the role of head of government in 2008 and also established a alliance with the president last year in a public service characterized by evolving coalitions.
He commanded strong loyalty among adherents, notably in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom contend he was denied the nation's leadership by election irregularities.
Many of Odinga's followers, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya became a pluralistic political system, offered homage to Odinga's work as an advocate.