Thousands of Kenyans gather in Nyayo Stadium for state funeral in Nairobi

Thousands of mourners have gathered at a national stadium in the Kenyan capital for the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Many carried national flags, portraits of the late leader, and wore T-shirts printed with his image to pay their final respects.

Security remains tight in and around the stadium, with police and military officers deployed to prevent a recurrence of the unrest witnessed on Thursday during the body-viewing ceremony.

At least three people died after police fired gunshots and tear gas in an attempt to contain the huge crowds who had turned out to escort Odinga’s body from the country’s main airport after it arrived from India where he died.

The presidents of Somalia and Ethiopian are among regional leaders attending the funeral service at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Earlier on Friday morning, Odinga’s body was taken to parliament, where MPs and selected dignitaries viewed it.

Odinga, a giant figure on Kenya’s political scene, died on Wednesday aged 80 in India, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

Mourners have been carrying branches and palm fronds, a symbol of mourning and grief among the Luo ethnic group to which Odinga belonged.

On Saturday his body will be transported to Kisumu, a city in western Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria – his political stronghold.

Members of the public will get a chance to view the body before he is buried on Sunday at his farm in Bondo, about 60km (40 miles) west of Kisumu.

According to the family, it was Odinga’s wish to be laid to rest within the shortest time possible, ideally within 72 hours.

A seven-day period of mourning has been declared.

He was a towering figure in Kenyan politics and for many years was the country’s main opposition leader, losing five presidential campaigns, most recently three years ago.

Odinga repeatedly said he was cheated of victory, citing the manipulation of votes.