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Four people were killed in the capital city when law enforcement opened fire and deployed teargas to break up massive crowds at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.

Political Leader Remembered

The politician, who remained a significant presence in the country's governance for decades, passed away on midweek at age 80 while in hospital care in India.

He struggled relentlessly for political pluralism, and we benefit from those rights today because of his struggle.

Turmoil Erupts at Arena

Thousands devotees gathered on thoroughfares from early morning, with chaos occurring when a large crowd breached a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, causing military personnel to discharge weapons upward.

• Two people were shot dead at the location
• Casualties subsequently increased to 4
• Scores of people got wounded
• Police employed irritants to clear thousands mourners

Airport Event and Parliament Situation

During the morning, numerous of mourners momentarily entered the city's air terminal, disrupting a formal proceeding where the head of state and other officials were receiving Odinga's remains with military honors.

This incident caused a temporary halt of aviation services.

Assemblies also occupied surrounding thoroughfares and attempted to breach parliament, where the government had originally scheduled the open visitation.

Political Heritage and Ethnic Backing

Though mainly known as an opposition figure, Odinga served as senior minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with the leader last year in a public service characterized by shifting alliances.

He inspired passionate devotion among followers, particularly in his cultural background based in the country's west, many of whom maintain he was deprived of the nation's leadership by election irregularities.

Numerous of Odinga's followers, who were not yet born in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a pluralistic political system, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an activist.