Tragedy Hits as Four Die During Memorial for Kenyan Political Figure Raila Odinga
A quartet of persons were killed in Nairobi when armed personnel shot and employed chemical irritants to disperse massive crowds at a sports arena where opposition leader Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.
Political Figure Honored
The politician, who had been a significant presence in Kenyan politics for decades, succumbed on that day at age 80 while in hospital care in the subcontinent.
He campaigned vigorously for democratic systems, and we benefit from those liberties today because of his efforts.
Disorder Breaks Out at Arena
Countless supporters gathered on the streets from sunrise, with mayhem occurring when enormous throng broke through a gate at the capital's primary venue, causing soldiers to shoot skyward.
- A pair of persons perished from bullets at the venue
- Casualties subsequently increased to 4
- Many persons got wounded
- Police employed irritants to clear numerous grievers
Airport Incident and Government Building Standoff
During the morning, thousands of grievers briefly stormed the city's air terminal, disrupting a official event where the head of state and other officials were welcoming Odinga's corpse with formal recognition.
This event caused a temporary halt of aviation services.
Crowds also flooded nearby roads and tried to enter the government complex, where the administration had first arranged the public viewing.
National Legacy and Ethnic Devotion
While predominantly identified as an opposition figure, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with the president last year in a political journey marked by shifting alliances.
He commanded strong loyalty among adherents, especially in his Luo community based in the country's west, many of whom contend he was denied the presidency by election irregularities.
Numerous of Odinga's followers, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya became a pluralistic political system, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an campaigner.
