Heavy security after deadly violence in Kenya, as thousands mourn former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Heavy security was deployed to Kenya’s western city of Kisumu before the final public viewing of the body of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Saturday, after five people died in the last two public funeral events.

Military officers, regular police and air surveillance teams were present at the soccer stadium where thousands of mourners had stayed overnight awaiting the opportunity to view Odinga’s body.

There was a minor scuffle that left several people injured, but no major incidents were reported. Dozens of mourners fainted after being overwhelmed by emotions, the heat and long lines during the public viewing.

Odinga was a respected and significant figure in Kenya and beyond, a veteran politician lauded by many, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, for his fight for democracy. Odinga died Wednesday in India at the age of 80 and is expected to be buried Sunday at his rural home in Bondo in western Kenya.

Odinga’s supporters, known for their passion and resilience, have been turning out by the thousands since his body arrived in the country on Thursday.

Police fired live bullets and tear gas, killing three people at a soccer stadium Thursday when a confrontation ensued during the first public viewing.

On Friday, a stampede occurred shortly after dignitaries left the venue of the state funeral service, leaving two people dead and 163 others injured.

Odinga’s widow, Ida, had appealed during the service for Kenyans to mourn peacefully. His brother, Oburu, called on mourners not to give police any reason to use tear gas or force.

“Raila should not be tear-gassed in death. He has been tear-gassed enough when he was alive. Please let us not cause a situation where he is tear-gassed again,” he said.

Odinga ran for Kenya’s presidency five times over three decades, and although he never succeeded in becoming president, he is revered for a life of activism that helped steer Kenya toward becoming a vibrant multiparty democracy.

Odinga’s body lay in state at parliament on Friday morning before the funeral, an honor only reserved for the president and former presidents.

President William Ruto eulogized him as a patriot and selfless statesman who helped to steady Kenya.

Ruto campaigned for Odinga in 2007 – a disputed election that was marred by violence. The two men were rivals in subsequent elections, including the most recent one in 2022.

The two leaders signed an agreement this year after months of anti-government protests, and the pact saw opposition party members appointed to Cabinet positions.