Kenya opposition supporters gather for Odinga ‘swearing-in’
NAIROBI: Supporters of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga gathered in Nairobi yesterday ahead of a ceremony to swear him in as an alternative president, three months after he claims an election was stolen from him.
The planned ‘ inauguration’ has raised fears of violence as police had vowed not to allow the event to go ahead. However officers kept their distance as hundreds gathered at the Uhuru park venue.
Odinga, 72, a veteran opposition leader who claims he has had three elections stolen from him, has refused to accept President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re- election, which came after a deeply divisive 2017 polls season in which rights activists say at least 92 people were killed.
First was an election on Aug 8, won by Kenyatta, which was annulled in a historic decision by the Supreme Court, which ordered a re-run on Oct 26.
Claiming the poll would not be fair, Odinga boycotted the second vote and Kenyatta won with 98 per cent.
Odinga postponed a previous effort to swear himself in last month, but his party insists yesterday’s event wi l l take place.
“We intend to hold a peaceful event, in total compliance with the constitution and the law,” read a statement from the National Super Alliance ( Nasa) coalition.
“We nonetheless wish to put the Jubilee ( party) administration on notice that we will accomplish our mission come hell or high water.”
While officers patrolled on horseback from a distance, police sources said a decision had been taken to avoid confrontation, after the city police chief earlier said “the grounds will be a no- go zone”. — AFP