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Four people lost their lives in Kenya's capital when armed personnel opened fire and deployed teargas to break up huge gatherings at a venue where statesman Raila Odinga's body was displayed for homage.

Political Figure Remembered

Odinga, who remained a major force in Kenyan politics for decades, passed away on Wednesday at 80 years old while receiving medical treatment in India.

He fought tirelessly for political pluralism, and we are enjoying those liberties today because of his efforts.

Chaos Erupts at Venue

Numerous followers assembled on roadways from dawn, with chaos erupting when massive group broke through a barrier at Nairobi's main stadium, prompting soldiers to shoot skyward.

• Two people were shot dead at the location
• Death toll subsequently increased to four people
• Scores of persons got wounded
• Authorities employed irritants to clear numerous mourners

Airport Event and Government Building Situation

Previously that day, countless of mourners temporarily invaded Nairobi's international airport, interrupting a ceremony where the nation's leader and government representatives were receiving Odinga's corpse with military honors.

This event led to a brief stoppage of airport operations.

Crowds also flooded surrounding thoroughfares and attempted to breach the government complex, where the administration had first arranged the open visitation.

National Legacy and Ethnic Support

Though mainly known as an government critic, Odinga assumed the role of senior minister in 2008 and also established a political pact with the president last year in a political journey defined by shifting alliances.

He commanded strong loyalty among followers, notably in his cultural background based in the country's west, many of whom maintain he was denied the highest office by vote manipulation.

Countless of Odinga's followers, who were unborn in 1991 when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy, paid tribute to Odinga's contributions as an advocate.