AZIMIO PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE BANNED FROM ATTENDING KIBAKI’S FUNERAL

A member of Azimio La Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s team was barred from using the VIP entrance at Nyayo Stadium during the State funeral service of former President Mwai Kibaki.

Raila disembarked from his vehicle accompanied by his wife Ida Odinga and members of his security detail on Friday, April 29.

However, when Raila was ushered in through the VIP entrance, which was highly manned by the military and elite forces, a member of his entourage was stopped.

The man dressed in a black suit was engaged in a scuffle at Nyayo Stadium, during former President Mwai Kibaki’s State funeral service, with the security detail guarding the VIP entrance.

Raila proceeded through the entrance but the man in question was held back by the men in suits and taken away from the premises.

Reports indicated that Odinga’s bodyguards stopped outside the entrance, but only one attempted to enter the lounge.

Further, reports also claimed that the security officers, who blocked Raila’s aide, are part of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security detail.

Protocol dictates that when the President’s security team is around, especially in an enclosed space, other VIPs’ security officers surrender the protection function to the President’s officers.

The Principal Administrative Secretary (PAS) at the Office of the President, Kennedy Kihara had earlier explained that VIPs’ security details will not be allowed in since the premise is secured by the Presidential Escort.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Clergy presiding over the State Funeral Service of Former President Mwai Kibaki warned against politicking at the function.

The statement was made by the Nairobi Archbishop Phillip Anyolo shortly after President Uhuru Kenyatta and other dignitaries paid their last respects to the former head of state.

“In this ceremony, no politics or political statements will be allowed,” Archbishop Anyolo announced.