Kenya Police Fire Tear Gas at Odinga’s Body Viewing Crowd
- * Raila Odinga has died: The 80-year-old former prime minister of Kenya passed away on Wednesday morning in India after collapsing during a walk.
Here’s a summary of the key facts from the provided text:
* Raila Odinga has died: The 80-year-old former prime minister of Kenya passed away on Wednesday morning in India after collapsing during a walk.
* “Baba” is a nickname: Odinga was affectionately known as “Baba” (father) by his supporters.
* Mourning adn Funeral Arrangements:
* A seven-day period of mourning has been declared.
* He will receive a state funeral with full military honors.
* The state funeral will be held in Nairobi on Friday.
* His body will be transported to Kisumu (his political stronghold) on Saturday.
* The public will have a chance to view the body before his burial on Sunday at his farm in Bondo.
* The family requested a swift burial, ideally within 72 hours.
* Political Meaning: odinga was a towering figure in Kenyan politics and a long-time opposition leader, having lost five presidential campaigns.
* Cultural Mourning: Mourners are carrying twigs and palm branches, a conventional symbol of grief within the Luo ethnic group to which Odinga belonged.
* Supporter Reactions: Supporters expressed deep sadness and a sense of loss, with some questioning the authenticity of the body in the casket.