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Four people perished in Nairobi when armed personnel opened fire and deployed teargas to scatter huge gatherings at a sports arena where statesman Raila Odinga's corpse was lying in state.

Political Leader Mourned

Odinga, who was a significant presence in Kenyan politics for a long period, passed away on midweek at eight decades while in hospital care in the subcontinent.

He campaigned vigorously for multi-party democracy, and we experience those freedoms today because of his efforts.

Turmoil Unfolds at Stadium

Thousands supporters congregated on roadways from early morning, with mayhem occurring when enormous throng broke through a entrance at the city's central arena, leading to military personnel to fire in the air.

• Two people lost their lives to gunfire at the stadium
• Fatalities later rose to 4
• Scores of persons got wounded
• Authorities employed irritants to disperse numerous mourners

Airport Disruption and Parliament Situation

During the morning, countless of supporters momentarily entered the city's air terminal, disrupting a formal proceeding where the head of state and dignitaries were receiving Odinga's body with military honors.

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

Crowds also flooded nearby roads and sought to penetrate the legislative building, where the government had initially planned the community homage.

Political Heritage and Ethnic Support

Although primarily recognized as an political challenger, Odinga became prime minister in 2008 and also struck a political pact with the leader last year in a public service characterized by changing partnerships.

He generated strong loyalty among adherents, particularly in his cultural background based in western Kenya, many of whom maintain he was deprived of the presidency by election irregularities.

Countless of Odinga's supporters, who were not living in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy, paid tribute to Odinga's efforts as an campaigner.