Tragedy Strikes as 4 Die During Memorial for Kenyan Opposition Leader Raila Odinga
A quartet of persons lost their lives in Nairobi when armed personnel shot and deployed teargas to disperse huge gatherings at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was displayed for homage.
National Leader Mourned
The statesman, who had been a prominent player in Kenyan politics for decades, died on midweek at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in the Asian nation.
He fought tirelessly for multi-party democracy, and we benefit from those freedoms today because of his efforts.
Chaos Breaks Out at Venue
Countless supporters assembled on thoroughfares from dawn, with chaos occurring when massive group broke through a entrance at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting military personnel to discharge weapons upward.
- A pair of persons were shot dead at the venue
- Casualties later rose to four
- Numerous persons got wounded
- Police deployed chemical agents to clear thousands attendees
Airport Event and Parliament Standoff
Previously that day, numerous of supporters briefly stormed Nairobi's international airport, halting a ceremony where President William Ruto and other officials were accepting Odinga's remains with armed forces tribute.
This situation prompted a brief stoppage of airport operations.
Crowds also overwhelmed nearby roads and attempted to breach the government complex, where the government had initially planned the community homage.
National Impact and Ethnic Devotion
Though mainly known as an political challenger, Odinga became prime minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with Ruto last year in a public service marked by changing partnerships.
He generated passionate devotion among followers, especially in his cultural background based in the nation's western region, many of whom maintain he was prevented from obtaining the nation's leadership by vote manipulation.
Many of Odinga's followers, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-faction governance, paid tribute to Odinga's work as an activist.