• Raila Odinga's state funeral attracted thousands amid heavy security.
• Chaos erupted during mourning, resulting in at least four fatalities.
• Odinga's legacy as a champion for democracy is widely recognized.
• Foreign dignitaries attended the funeral service in Nairobi.
• His burial is scheduled for Sunday in his hometown of Bondo.

Thousands gathered in Nairobi on Friday for the state funeral of Raila Odinga, Kenya's former Prime Minister and a pivotal figure in the country’s political landscape. The atmosphere was heavily secured following chaotic events during mourning that resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals, as security forces struggled to control the large crowds at a stadium where Odinga's body lay in state, according to SCMP, BBC, and Reuters.

Attendees at the Nyayo National Stadium included prominent foreign dignitaries, such as Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. During the ceremony, mourners waved white handkerchiefs and chanted in tribute to Odinga, whose death at age 80 was met with nationwide grief. He passed away in India while undergoing medical treatment, as detailed by Africa News and Africa News.

The deadly events preceding the funeral cast a shadow over the proceedings. On Thursday, when thousands attempted to view Odinga's body, police opened fire as crowds surged, resulting in fatalities and injuries, according to reports from Al Jazeera and Africa News.

As an icon of democracy, Odinga’s contributions to Kenya’s political development are widely revered, though his career was contentious, marked by five unsuccessful presidential bids. His legacy as a political reformer continues to resonate, especially among the Luo ethnic group who regarded him as a champion for their rights, reported by BBC and Reuters.

Following the funeral, Odinga's body will be transported to Kisumu, where more crowds are expected, before he is laid to rest in the Bondo region, fulfilling his family's wish for a quick burial, as per reports from SCMP and Al Jazeera.