Nasa youths battle police as Jubilee fans celebrate Uhuru’s inauguration

Protesters gesture at police in Nairobi’s Umoja estate on November 28, 2017 during demonstrations after Nasa leader Raila Odinga was blocked from holding a rally concurrently with President Kenyatta’s inauguration. PHOTO | TONY KARUMBA | AFP

What you need to know:

  • The Nasa youths were on the streets protesting over the Jubilee administration’s second term.
  • Nasa leaders have said they do not recognise Mr Kenyatta’s re-election and have been holding protests over the same.
  • Jubilee supporters cheered as President Kenyatta’s motorcade passed them on the way to Kasarani.

Pockets of chaos erupted in parts of Nairobi during a confrontation between anti-riot police and opposition Nasa supporters as President Uhuru Kenyatta was sworn in to office for his second term.

In Jacaranda Estate, police started lobbing tear gas canisters from as early as 10am to disperse youths who were gathered there.

Nasa leaders have said they do not recognise Mr Kenyatta’s re-election and have been holding protests over the same.

As the President’s inauguration went on at the Kasarani Stadium, the Nasa youths were on the streets protesting over the Jubilee administration’s second term.

JUBILEE CHEERS

Elsewhere on Thika Road, crowds were gathered at various sections of highway, all the way to Kasarani Stadium, waving Jubilee banners and carrying Kenyan flags.

They cheered as President Kenyatta’s motorcade passed them on the way to Kasarani.

The Kasarani Stadium was already full by 10am and many people who had come to witness the ceremony were locked out.

It was a busy day for enterprising traders who sold flags, banners and other merchandise outside the stadium.

A statement from the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) said that at least 23 heads of states or their deputies were in attendance. There were delegations from 47 countries attending the celebrations.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was one of those reported to be in Kenya for the swearing in, though he did not appear at the stadium.