Disaster Strikes as 4 Lose Lives During Memorial for Kenyan Political Figure Raila Odinga
A quartet of persons lost their lives in Kenya's capital when security forces opened fire and used teargas to break up enormous assemblies at a sports arena where political figure Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.
National Figure Honored
The politician, who remained a major force in Kenyan politics for a long period, passed away on Wednesday at 80 years old while undergoing healthcare in the Asian nation.
He fought tirelessly for political pluralism, and we experience those freedoms today because of his efforts.
Chaos Erupts at Venue
Countless devotees gathered on roadways from dawn, with disorder erupting when enormous throng forced open a gate at the city's central arena, prompting soldiers to shoot skyward.
- Two people were shot dead at the venue
- Casualties subsequently increased to four
- Scores of persons got wounded
- Police used teargas to scatter countless attendees
Airport Event and Parliament Standoff
Earlier in the day, countless of grievers briefly stormed the capital's aviation hub, interrupting a formal proceeding where the head of state and government representatives were receiving Odinga's remains with formal recognition.
This incident prompted a brief stoppage of airport operations.
Crowds also flooded adjacent streets and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the government had initially planned the public viewing.
National Legacy and Ethnic Devotion
While predominantly identified as an government critic, Odinga became senior minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with the president last year in a public service characterized by evolving coalitions.
He generated strong loyalty among supporters, notably in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was prevented from obtaining the presidency by electoral fraud.
Numerous of Odinga's followers, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya became a multi-party democracy, paid tribute to Odinga's work as an advocate.
