Four Dead as Kenyan Security Forces Fire on Mourners
Four people have died in Nairobi, Kenya, after security forces opened fire and deployed teargas to disperse large crowds gathered at a stadium to mourn the passing of opposition leader Raila Odinga. The incident occurred as thousands of supporters gathered to pay their respects to the veteran politician, resulting in chaotic scenes at the stadium. Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics for decades, died in India at the age of 80 while receiving medical treatment.
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Stadium Chaos and Security Response
Thousands of mourners had gathered in Nairobi from early morning to pay their respects to Odinga. The situation escalated when a large crowd breached a gate at Nairobi’s main stadium, Kasarani Stadium. This breach prompted security forces, including soldiers, to fire shots in the air in an attempt to control the crowd, according to a Reuters witness. The initial reports indicated two fatalities at the stadium, attributed to the security forces’ response.
Following the initial use of gunfire, police deployed teargas to further disperse the thousands of mourners present. KTN News and Citizen TV subsequently reported that the death toll had risen to four, with numerous injuries sustained. The use of teargas resulted in the stadium being quickly deserted as mourners fled the scene. The incident has raised questions about the appropriateness of the security response to the large gathering.
Airport Disruption and Parliament Attempt
Prior to the events at the stadium, significant disruptions occurred at Nairobi’s international airport. Thousands of mourners stormed the airport, interrupting a ceremony intended for President William Ruto and other officials to receive Odinga’s body with military honors. This interruption led to a two-hour suspension of airport operations as authorities worked to regain control of the situation. The airport incident highlighted the intense emotions and widespread support for Odinga.
In addition to the airport disruption, crowds also flooded nearby roads and attempted to breach parliament. The government had initially planned to hold the public viewing of Odinga’s body at parliament, but the large crowds and security concerns led to the change in venue to the stadium. The multiple attempts to gather at significant locations underscored the public’s desire to participate in the mourning process and pay their respects to the deceased leader.
Raila Odinga’s Legacy
Raila Odinga was a central figure in Kenyan politics for many years, known for his role as an opposition leader. Despite being primarily known for his opposition stance, Odinga served as prime minister in 2008 and formed a political alliance with President Ruto in the past, illustrating his complex and evolving political career. He commanded a passionate following, particularly among the Luo community in western Kenya, where many believed he had been denied the presidency due to electoral fraud.
Odinga’s supporters, including many who were not even born when Kenya transitioned to a multi-party democracy in 1991, recognized his contributions as an activist. Many, such as university student Felix Ambani Uneck, acknowledged Odinga’s tireless efforts in fighting for multi-party democracy and credited him for the freedoms enjoyed in Kenya today. His legacy is marked by his advocacy for political reform and his enduring impact on Kenyan society.
Conclusion
The deaths of four people at the stadium in Nairobi, following the use of gunfire and teargas by security forces, mark a tragic turn in the mourning of Raila Odinga. The events at the stadium, coupled with the disruptions at the airport and attempts to breach parliament, reflect the deep emotions and widespread support for the late opposition leader. As Kenya mourns the loss of a significant political figure, questions surrounding the security response and the handling of large public gatherings will likely be raised and scrutinized.
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