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

Thousands of mourners attend the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the National Stadium in the Kenyan capital.

Many carry national flags, portraits of the late leader and wear t-shirts with his image printed on them to pay their last respects.

Security remains tight in and around the stadium, with police and military deployed to prevent a repeat of the disturbances seen on Thursday during the corpse viewing ceremony.

at least three people died after police fired shots and tear gas in an attempt to control the huge crowds that came to escort Odinga’s body from the country’s main airport after it arrived from India, where he died on Wednesday.

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

As Odinga’s body entered the stadium in a ceremonial military procession, mourners erupted in chants, whistles and songs.

They chanted “Raila usilale, bado mapawan”, a popular Swahili political slogan that translates to “Raila, don’t sleep, the struggle is not over”.

It is a symbolic appeal to the late leader’s spirit to remain vigilant as his political struggle continues.

“Raila hated dishonesty. He hated greed. Greed that has affected the fabric of our society,” Ida, Odinga’s widow, said in her speech.

Bishop David Kodiya, who presided over the service, said Odinga never used his political power and money to intimidate people.

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

Odinga, a towering figure on Kenya’s political scene, died on Wednesday at the age of 80 in India, where he was receiving medical treatment.

Mourners carry branches and palm leaves, a symbol of mourning and sorrow among the Luo ethnic group, to which Odinga belongs.

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

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

According to the family, Odinga’s wish was to be laid to rest as soon as possible, ideally within 72 hours.

Seven days of mourning have been announced.

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

Odinga has repeatedly said he was cheated out of victory, citing vote rigging.