Police Lay Out Strategies to Block Raila's Swearing-in

State security agencies have reportedly laid out a number of strategies they will use to scuttle the swearing in of opposition leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka, which is set for Tuesday at Uhuru Park grounds in Nairobi.

The Standard reports that one of the measures the police plan to use is placing Nasa principals under house arrest to stop them from making their way to the oath taking venue.

It is understood that top security chiefs held a meeting on Saturday to explore different ways to deal with the opposition leaders and their supporters.

Another suggested strategy is to arrest the Nasa leaders and detain them at undisclosed locations. However, the meeting failed to agree on the law to be used to deal with those arrested, sources said.

“If we are pushed, you will see arrests all over from ordinary men to even the leaders. We know some of the leaders may even not spend the night in their homes,” said an officer aware of the plans.

Police could also block all entrances to Uhuru Park to stop anyone from making their way into the facility. Nairobi police commander Japheth Koome appeared to confirm this during a press briefing on Sunday.

“Tell whoever is thinking of coming to Uhuru Park not to attempt it. We will not allow it,” said Mr Koome.

Further, there will be heavy deployment of security officers within the Nairobi central business district. Sources said that thousands of police officers from counties that neighbour Nairobi had been recalled to Nairobi.

“We will disrupt any form of gathering in the city,” an insider told the Standard.

Nasa has called on supporters to attend the ceremony in large numbers and be seated at the venue at 8am, Tuesday.

Speaking during a rally in Homa Bay County on Saturday, Raila said he is ready to die over the inauguration ceremony.

“If it will cost me my life or send me to jail for life, I am ready for it. My life is no better than that of baby Pendo or the more than 300 people who have died since the August 8 elections,” said Raila, who was flanked by his co-principals Kalonzo Musyoka and Musalia Mudavadi.

Nairobi police boss Koome said he will do everything to block the fete, “I will be accused of omission if I fail to stop the meeting. I will therefore ensure that there is no breach of peace,” said Koome.

"Those planning the meeting want to intimidate city residents," he said. “We'll protect Nairobi jealously. Nobody will be at Uhuru Park."