A quartet of persons were killed in Kenya's capital when security forces opened fire and deployed teargas to scatter massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's body was on public view.
The statesman, who was a significant presence in Kenyan politics for many years, passed away on Wednesday at eight decades while in hospital care in the Asian nation.
He fought tirelessly for political pluralism, and we experience those freedoms today because of his struggle.
Numerous supporters congregated on roadways from early morning, with disorder occurring when enormous throng broke through a barrier at the city's central arena, causing military personnel to fire in the air.
During the morning, thousands of mourners momentarily entered the capital's aviation hub, interrupting a formal proceeding where President William Ruto and government representatives were welcoming Odinga's remains with armed forces tribute.
This situation caused a two-hour suspension of flight activities.
Groups also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the administration had first arranged the community homage.
While predominantly identified as an opposition figure, Odinga assumed the role of head of government in 2008 and also formed a agreement with Ruto last year in a public service marked by evolving coalitions.
He commanded passionate devotion among followers, especially in his ethnic group based in the nation's western region, many of whom maintain he was denied the highest office by election irregularities.
Numerous of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-party democracy, expressed respect to Odinga's efforts as an advocate.
Escritora y analista cultural con experiencia en medios internacionales, apasionada por explorar cómo las ideas locales impactan en el mundo.
