Huge crowds of mourners in Kenya fled screaming after police fired gunshots and tear gas in a stadium where they had gathered to see the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. There are unconfirmed reports that four people were killed in the chaos as security officers sought to disperse the surging crowds. It is not yet clear whether the police used live ammunition or rubber bullets in the arena, which is located in the capital Nairobi.
Odinga's body was flown back from India, where he died on Wednesday morning, with thousands of people waiting at the airport. The public viewing began in the evening after the chaos in the stadium had subsided.
The throngs of people at the country's main airport forced the authorities to briefly suspend flights. The authorities said mourners had gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure that lasted about two hours. Thousands of people moved in a procession to escort the vehicle carrying the body to the stadium, about 10km from the city center.
Due to unexpectedly large crowds, the public viewing ceremony was moved to Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre in the Kasarani neighborhood, rather than inside the parliament building where it was initially scheduled. The stadium was packed, with many more waiting outside.
Minutes later, a large crowd breached a gate in the arena, prompting the police to fire tear gas, leading to mass exodus among mourners.
A journalist at the scene reported seeing civilians beating protesters with batons. At least three people were visibly injured, including one with a serious head wound, according to reports.
Dignitaries and government officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, were allowed to observe the coffin before the public viewing commenced. Many supporters gathered at Lee Funeral Home prior to the event, expressing their grief and connection to Odinga.
I came here at six in the morning. We have been at the airport to welcome Baba [Odinga's nickname], one mourner expressed. The state funeral will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, followed by transportation of his body to Kisumu, Odinga's political stronghold, where he will be buried at his home in Bondo.
Odinga, an influential figure in Kenyan politics for decades, died at the age of 80 after collapsing during a walk in India. His passing has triggered a seven-day mourning period declared by the state.
Odinga's body was flown back from India, where he died on Wednesday morning, with thousands of people waiting at the airport. The public viewing began in the evening after the chaos in the stadium had subsided.
The throngs of people at the country's main airport forced the authorities to briefly suspend flights. The authorities said mourners had gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure that lasted about two hours. Thousands of people moved in a procession to escort the vehicle carrying the body to the stadium, about 10km from the city center.
Due to unexpectedly large crowds, the public viewing ceremony was moved to Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre in the Kasarani neighborhood, rather than inside the parliament building where it was initially scheduled. The stadium was packed, with many more waiting outside.
Minutes later, a large crowd breached a gate in the arena, prompting the police to fire tear gas, leading to mass exodus among mourners.
A journalist at the scene reported seeing civilians beating protesters with batons. At least three people were visibly injured, including one with a serious head wound, according to reports.
Dignitaries and government officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, were allowed to observe the coffin before the public viewing commenced. Many supporters gathered at Lee Funeral Home prior to the event, expressing their grief and connection to Odinga.
I came here at six in the morning. We have been at the airport to welcome Baba [Odinga's nickname], one mourner expressed. The state funeral will be held at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, followed by transportation of his body to Kisumu, Odinga's political stronghold, where he will be buried at his home in Bondo.
Odinga, an influential figure in Kenyan politics for decades, died at the age of 80 after collapsing during a walk in India. His passing has triggered a seven-day mourning period declared by the state.
