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A quartet of persons perished in Nairobi when armed personnel opened fire and employed chemical irritants to disperse huge gatherings at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's body was lying in state.

Political Leader Remembered

The statesman, who was a major force in Kenyan politics for many years, passed away on that day at 80 years old while in hospital care in the subcontinent.

He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we benefit from those rights today because of his efforts.

Chaos Unfolds at Stadium

Numerous devotees congregated on roadways from early morning, with mayhem erupting when a large crowd forced open a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, causing soldiers to shoot skyward.

• Two individuals lost their lives to gunfire at the venue
• Death toll eventually reached to four
• Scores of people sustained injuries
• Law enforcement employed irritants to scatter thousands grievers

Airport Incident and Parliament Standoff

During the morning, thousands of mourners temporarily invaded the city's air terminal, halting a official event where President William Ruto and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's corpse with formal recognition.

This situation led to a two-hour suspension of aviation services.

Crowds also overwhelmed nearby roads and sought to penetrate the government complex, where the government had originally scheduled the public viewing.

National Legacy and Community Backing

Though mainly known as an political challenger, Odinga became senior minister in 2008 and also established a alliance with the leader last year in a public service characterized by changing partnerships.

He generated strong loyalty among adherents, notably in his Luo community based in western Kenya, many of whom believe he was deprived of the highest office by election irregularities.

Many of Odinga's supporters, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya became a pluralistic political system, paid tribute to Odinga's efforts as an campaigner.