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A quartet of persons perished in Nairobi when armed personnel shot and employed chemical irritants to scatter massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was displayed for homage.

Political Leader Mourned

The politician, who was a major force in Kenyan politics for many years, died on midweek at 80 years old while in hospital care in the Asian nation.

He fought tirelessly for political pluralism, and we benefit from those freedoms today because of his work.

Disorder Erupts at Venue

Thousands supporters gathered on roadways from early morning, with disorder erupting when a large crowd forced open a gate at Nairobi's main stadium, leading to military personnel to fire in the air.

• Two people perished from bullets at the venue
• Death toll subsequently increased to four people
• Many persons sustained injuries
• Police employed irritants to scatter numerous attendees

Airport Disruption and Parliament Situation

Earlier in the day, thousands of grievers briefly stormed the city's air terminal, halting a ceremony where the head of state and dignitaries were welcoming Odinga's corpse with military honors.

This event prompted a two-hour suspension of flight activities.

Crowds also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and sought to penetrate parliament, where the authorities had originally scheduled the open visitation.

Political Legacy and Community Backing

Though mainly known as an political challenger, Odinga became senior minister in 2008 and also struck a agreement with the president last year in a political journey characterized by shifting alliances.

He inspired passionate devotion among adherents, particularly in his Luo community based in the nation's western region, many of whom contend he was deprived of the nation's leadership by electoral fraud.

Numerous of Odinga's mourners, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya established itself as a multi-party democracy, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an advocate.