Police Ban NASA's Public Rally in Nairobi

Police have banned a National Super Alliance (NASA) public rally scheduled for Thursday afternoon at Kamukunji grounds in Nairobi to prepare for opposition leader Raila Odinga's grand reception as he arrives from the US on Friday.

Nairobi police commander Japheth Koome said the rally by the opposition would likely disrupt the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations in the schools surrounding the area.

The ban was imposed after Kenya National Examination Council chairperson Prof. George Magoha appealed for more security for the schools along the routes the Nasa supporters were likely to use.

On Monday, Siaya senator James Orengo urged supporters to converge at the historic Kamukunji grounds for a build-up rally ahead of Odinga’s arrival at JKIA on Friday.

“Organisers of the grand welcome invite supporters to a major rally. The rally will be a dress rehearsal for the Friday grand welcome,” Senator Orengo said in a statement on Monday.

“This is part of our continuing journey of ensuring electoral justice and putting an end to the evil culture of sham elections with pre-determined outcomes. Together we shall triumph.”

The Inspector General of Police has also warned NASA supporters against entering Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on Friday to welcome Raila as have been instructed by their leaders.

"The attention of the National Police Service has been drawn to press reports to the effect that some politicians are mobilizing crowds to march to the JKIA to receive Raila Odinga on Friday 17th upon his return from an overseas trip. Anyone wishing to organise a public procession or meeting must comply with the Public Order Act (2016)."

"JKIA is a protected area hence access is open to bonafide travelers and all others with legitimate business at the airport who must be subjected at all times to the standard security measures. It is therefore not advisable to mobilise huge crowds to travel to that facility as it risks jeopardising the safety of air operators, passengers and other airport users," read the statement from IG.