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A quartet of persons perished in Nairobi when armed personnel discharged weapons and deployed teargas to break up huge gatherings at a sports arena where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was on public view.

National Figure Mourned

The statesman, who remained a prominent player in Kenyan politics for many years, passed away on Wednesday at age 80 while in hospital care in the Asian nation.

He campaigned vigorously for political pluralism, and we experience those liberties today because of his struggle.

Chaos Erupts at Arena

Thousands devotees assembled on the streets from early morning, with disorder occurring when a large crowd forced open a gate at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting military personnel to fire in the air.

• Two people lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
• Fatalities later rose to four
• Many persons were hurt
• Authorities used teargas to scatter countless attendees

Aviation Hub Event and Parliament Standoff

Previously that day, thousands of mourners momentarily entered the capital's aviation hub, disrupting a ceremony where President William Ruto and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's corpse with armed forces tribute.

This incident caused a temporary halt of aviation services.

Crowds also flooded nearby roads and attempted to breach the legislative building, where the authorities had first arranged the community homage.

National Legacy and Community Support

Although primarily recognized as an political challenger, Odinga served as senior minister in 2008 and also struck a alliance with Ruto last year in a political journey characterized by changing partnerships.

He commanded intense commitment among followers, particularly in his Luo community based in the country's west, many of whom contend he was deprived of the highest office by electoral fraud.

Many of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a pluralistic political system, offered homage to Odinga's contributions as an activist.