(MENAFN) At least four individuals lost their lives and several others sustained injuries after Kenyan security forces resorted to gunfire and teargas amid disturbances at the funeral proceedings of veteran opposition politician Raila Odinga in Nairobi, according to reports. The gathering had assembled at a stadium to pay their respects and view Odinga’s body.

Odinga passed away on Wednesday at the age of 80 in India, reportedly due to cardiac arrest. His body is expected to be transported to Siaya on Saturday ahead of the funeral, which will take place on Sunday at his family home in Bondo, as stated by reports.

Videos circulated online show that turmoil erupted when a large crowd forced its way through the gates of the stadium where Odinga, affectionately known as ‘Baba’—meaning father—was lying in state. Security personnel initially fired warning shots into the air before escalating to live rounds.

Earlier the same day, thousands of mourners briefly breached Nairobi’s international airport, interrupting a ceremony where President William Ruto and other officials were receiving Odinga’s body with full military honors. The incident caused airport operations to halt for two hours.

The state funeral is scheduled to continue on Friday at the stadium. Among those attending are Odinga’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, and his son, Raila Junior.

Raila Odinga had been a central figure in Kenya’s opposition politics for over four decades, contesting the presidency five times without success. His controversial loss in the 2007 election sparked unrest that claimed more than 1,000 lives. That crisis led to a power-sharing agreement, resulting in the creation of the prime minister position, which he held from 2008 to 2013.

In the 2022 election, William Ruto narrowly defeated Odinga. Despite the loss, Odinga remained active in political protests, focusing on governance and economic issues.

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