Tight security has been mounted across Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, in readiness of the swearing-in ceremony of President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday for a second term in office.
A News Agency of Nigeria correspondent reports that about 15 Heads of State, including Isrraeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, have confirmed their attendance.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, is expected to represent Nigeria at the ceremony.
A NAN correspondent quotes local media reports that as saying that the police and other security agencies have perfected plans to deal with any security situation in the country.
“There will be no compromise on security that day: no compromise at all,” the Nairobi County Police Commander, Japhet Koome, was quoted as telling journalists on Saturday.
Koome added: “We have what we have marked as the red zone where there will be maximum security. There, it’s a serious business. Anybody causing rouble along the red zone will be dealt with according to the law and firmly.”
The ceremony, which is scheduled to hold at the 60,000 seat Moi International Sports centre, will cost the country 300 million Shillings (about $3 million).
NAN reports that a detachment of the military, police and other security agencies have begun rehearsal at the stadium in readiness of the Tuesday event.
Similarly streets of Nairobi are wearing new looks with Kenyan flags and other decorations.
Kenyatta won a controversial re-run election on October 26 following the nullification of the August 6 election by the country’s Supreme Court after the opposition presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, filed a case claiming irregularities.
Odinga, however, boycotted the re-run after failing to stop electoral commission from conducting the poll.
Odinga and his allies under the aegis of National Super Alliance said they do not recognise Kenyatta as elected president.
The opposition plans to hold a memorial service on Tuesday in honour of its members killed who were allegedly shot dead by the police during a demonstration against the outcome of the election.
Meanwhile, Kenyatta has said that his priority will be to unify the country to ensure its progress and development.
Speaking at a Thanksgiving service as part of activities of his inauguration, Kenyatta said: “My first priority is peace.
“The second is to ensure the unity of all Kenyans for this is the foundation of development we are seeking.”
Security tight ahead of inauguration of President Kenyatta for second term
