A quartet of persons lost their lives in Nairobi when law enforcement shot and deployed teargas to disperse huge gatherings at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.
The statesman, who was a prominent player in Kenyan politics for many years, succumbed on midweek at age 80 while in hospital care in the subcontinent.
He fought tirelessly for democratic systems, and we experience those freedoms today because of his efforts.
Numerous supporters gathered on the streets from early morning, with chaos breaking out when enormous throng breached a barrier at the capital's primary venue, leading to armed forces to shoot skyward.
Earlier in the day, numerous of mourners temporarily invaded the capital's aviation hub, halting a ceremony where President William Ruto and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's corpse with military honors.
This situation caused a brief stoppage of airport operations.
Groups also occupied adjacent streets and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the administration had initially planned the community homage.
Although primarily recognized as an opposition figure, Odinga assumed the role of senior minister in 2008 and also formed a alliance with the president last year in a career characterized by shifting alliances.
He inspired strong loyalty among followers, notably in his ethnic group based in western Kenya, many of whom contend he was prevented from obtaining the highest office by vote manipulation.
Many of Odinga's mourners, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-party democracy, offered homage to Odinga's efforts as an campaigner.
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Michael Murray
| 03 Sep 2026
Michael Murray
| 03 Sep 2026
Michael Murray
| 03 Sep 2026