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Four people perished in Kenya's capital when armed personnel opened fire and used teargas to break up huge gatherings at a venue where political figure Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.

National Figure Honored

The politician, who was a significant presence in the country's governance for decades, died on midweek at eight decades while in hospital care in India.

He fought tirelessly for democratic systems, and we are enjoying those liberties today because of his work.

Turmoil Breaks Out at Arena

Countless supporters congregated on thoroughfares from sunrise, with chaos occurring when massive group forced open a gate at the city's central arena, leading to armed forces to discharge weapons upward.

• Two people lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
• Fatalities later rose to four people
• Numerous people were hurt
• Law enforcement deployed chemical agents to scatter thousands grievers

Aviation Hub Event and Parliament Standoff

Previously that day, numerous of grievers temporarily invaded the capital's aviation hub, halting a official event where President William Ruto and government representatives were accepting Odinga's body with formal recognition.

This event led to a brief stoppage of aviation services.

Crowds also occupied adjacent streets and tried to enter parliament, where the administration had originally scheduled the open visitation.

Political Heritage and Ethnic Backing

While predominantly identified as an political challenger, Odinga became senior minister in 2008 and also established a agreement with Ruto last year in a career defined by shifting alliances.

He generated intense commitment among followers, especially in his ethnic group 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 mourners, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an activist.