Police allegedly fired tear gas at mourners who rushed into a stadium in Kenya for the public viewing of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Footage shows hundreds of people running inside Moi International Sports Centre as officers reportedly fired live rounds and tear gas to control the crowd.

Local media later reported that at least four people died during the stampede.

Odinga, 80, died in India on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment. His body arrived in Nairobi on Thursday morning, drawing thousands of mourners.

Operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport were temporarily suspended after supporters stormed the runway to touch his coffin.

In a statement, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) said the disruption occurred when a large group of mourners breached restricted areas of the airport.

Authorities said: 'KCAA informs the public that operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport have been temporarily suspended due to an ongoing security situation following the arrival of the remains of the late Right Honourable Raila Odinga.

'KCAA regrets any inconvenience and appreciates the public's understanding and cooperation.'

Following the brief closure, crowds joined a procession accompanying the hearse to Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, around 10 kilometres from the city centre.

The viewing had initially been planned for Parliament but was moved to the larger stadium due to the unexpectedly high turnout.

Soon after the relocation, part of the crowd forced its way through a gate at the venue, prompting authorities to disperse them with tear gas.

Odinga, a dominant figure in Kenyan politics for decades, ran unsuccessfully for president five times, including in the contested 2007 election that triggered ethnic violence in which nearly 1,000 people were killed.