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Four people lost their lives in Nairobi when law enforcement shot and used teargas to break up massive crowds at a sports arena where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.

National Figure Mourned

The statesman, who had been a prominent player in Kenyan politics for many years, passed away on midweek at eight decades while in hospital care in the subcontinent.

He campaigned vigorously for political pluralism, and we experience those rights today because of his work.

Turmoil Erupts at Stadium

Numerous devotees assembled on roadways from early morning, with mayhem erupting when a large crowd breached a gate at the city's central arena, prompting armed forces to discharge weapons upward.

• Two people lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
• Casualties later rose to four
• Many persons sustained injuries
• Law enforcement deployed chemical agents to scatter thousands mourners

Aviation Hub Incident and Government Building Confrontation

During the morning, numerous of supporters temporarily invaded the city's air terminal, halting a ceremony where President William Ruto and dignitaries were accepting Odinga's body with military honors.

This incident led to a brief stoppage of airport operations.

Assemblies also overwhelmed adjacent streets and tried to enter the government complex, where the administration had initially planned the community homage.

Political Heritage and Ethnic Support

Although primarily recognized as an opposition figure, Odinga assumed the role of prime minister in 2008 and also established a agreement with Ruto last year in a public service defined by evolving coalitions.

He commanded intense commitment among adherents, particularly in his Luo community based in the nation's western region, many of whom contend he was denied the highest office by electoral fraud.

Many of Odinga's followers, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy, offered homage to Odinga's work as an campaigner.