A quartet of persons lost their lives in Nairobi when armed personnel shot and used teargas to break up massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's body was lying in state.
The statesman, who had been a significant presence in the country's governance for a long period, died on Wednesday at age 80 while undergoing healthcare in the subcontinent.
He struggled relentlessly for multi-party democracy, and we experience those liberties today because of his efforts.
Thousands supporters congregated on the streets from early morning, with disorder breaking out when massive group forced open a entrance at the capital's primary venue, causing military personnel to discharge weapons upward.
Earlier in the day, countless of mourners briefly stormed Nairobi's international airport, halting a ceremony where President William Ruto and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's body with formal recognition.
This event led to a temporary halt of flight activities.
Assemblies also overwhelmed adjacent streets and tried to enter the government complex, where the government had initially planned the open visitation.
Though mainly known as an political challenger, Odinga became head of government in 2008 and also struck a agreement with the leader last year in a career defined by shifting alliances.
He inspired passionate devotion among supporters, especially in his Luo community based in the country's west, many of whom contend he was prevented from obtaining the highest office by vote manipulation.
Countless of Odinga's supporters, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-faction governance, expressed respect to Odinga's efforts as an advocate.
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