Tragedy Strikes as 4 Lose Lives During Memorial for Kenya's Political Figure Raila Odinga
Four people were killed in the capital city when security forces opened fire and used teargas to disperse huge gatherings at a sports arena where political figure Raila Odinga's body was on public view.
Political Leader Honored
The politician, who had been a major force in the country's governance for many years, passed away on midweek at 80 years old while in hospital care in the Asian nation.
He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we benefit from those liberties today because of his work.
Turmoil Unfolds at Venue
Numerous followers assembled on roadways from dawn, with chaos breaking out when massive group forced open a barrier at the city's central arena, causing military personnel to shoot skyward.
- A pair of persons lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
- Death toll later rose to four
- Scores of individuals were hurt
- Authorities employed irritants to scatter thousands grievers
Airport Disruption and Government Building Confrontation
During the morning, numerous of mourners momentarily entered the capital's aviation hub, disrupting a ceremony where the nation's leader and other officials were accepting Odinga's body with formal recognition.
This incident led to a temporary halt of airport operations.
Groups also occupied nearby roads and attempted to breach parliament, where the government had first arranged the open visitation.
Political Heritage and Ethnic Support
Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga assumed the role of prime minister in 2008 and also formed a political pact with Ruto last year in a career marked by shifting alliances.
He generated passionate devotion among followers, notably in his ethnic group based in the country's west, many of whom contend he was deprived of the nation's leadership by election irregularities.
Countless of Odinga's mourners, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an advocate.