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 finally 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 noted that mourners had gained access to restricted areas, prompting a precautionary closure that lasted about two hours.
Thousands of people moved in a procession from the airport to the stadium, about 10km from the city centre, where a packed audience awaited.
Due to the unexpectedly large crowds, the public viewing was moved to Nairobi's Moi International Sports Centre instead of the parliament building where it was initially scheduled.
Minutes afterwards, as crowds surged forward, police reacted by firing tear gas, leading to masses rushing towards the exits in panic.
A BBC reporter at the scene observed men in civilian clothing beating protesters with batons, and multiple individuals were reported injured.
Following the turmoil, dignitaries and government officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, conducted their homage before the public viewing began.
Odinga, a towering figure in Kenyan politics, collapsed during a walk in India on Wednesday morning at the age of 80. His state funeral will be held at Nyayo National Stadium, followed by a burial at his farm in Bondo.
A seven-day period of mourning has been announced, during which Odinga will receive full military honors as per his last wishes.
