Tragedy Hits as 4 Die During Memorial for Kenya's Political Figure Raila Odinga
A quartet of persons lost their lives in Nairobi when law enforcement opened fire and deployed teargas to disperse massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's remains was displayed for homage.
National Leader Honored
Odinga, who remained a major force in Kenyan politics for many years, died on midweek at eight decades while in hospital care in India.
He campaigned vigorously for political pluralism, and we are enjoying those freedoms today because of his struggle.
Chaos Breaks Out at Arena
Thousands devotees gathered on thoroughfares from dawn, with mayhem erupting when enormous throng breached a entrance at Nairobi's main stadium, leading to soldiers to fire in the air.
- Two individuals were shot dead at the venue
- Casualties later rose to four people
- Scores of individuals got wounded
- Authorities used teargas to clear thousands mourners
Airport Incident and Parliament Standoff
During the morning, numerous of mourners momentarily entered the city's air terminal, disrupting a official event where President William Ruto and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's remains with formal recognition.
This situation caused a brief stoppage of flight activities.
Crowds also occupied adjacent streets and tried to enter parliament, where the administration had originally scheduled the open visitation.
National Heritage and Ethnic Devotion
Though mainly known as an government critic, Odinga became senior minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with the leader last year in a political journey marked by changing partnerships.
He inspired intense commitment among adherents, particularly in his cultural background based in the nation's western region, many of whom believe he was prevented from obtaining the presidency by electoral fraud.
Many of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a pluralistic political system, paid tribute to Odinga's contributions as an activist.
