In a tragic incident in Nairobi, at least four people were killed and several others injured when security forces fired shots and used tear gas to disperse large crowds gathered at a stadium for the lying-in-state of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India, was a significant figure in Kenyan politics and had previously run for president five times.
Following his death, President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period, and a state funeral is anticipated in Odinga’s home region. Thousands of supporters gathered to pay their respects, leading to chaos when a massive crowd breached the stadium’s main gate, prompting security forces to intervene.
The situation escalated as police fired shots into the air, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Earlier, mourners had disrupted a ceremony at Nairobi’s international airport, where Odinga’s body was to be received with military honors, leading to a suspension of airport operations.
Raila Odinga was known for his role in advocating for multi-party democracy in Kenya and was instrumental in the country’s 2010 constitution, which introduced significant political reforms. His legacy includes a strong following among his Luo ethnic group, many of whom believe he was denied presidency through electoral fraud.
