Police Clash With NASA Supporters Waiting For Raila Outside JKIA

Anti-riot police fired gunshots in the air and hurled tear gas canisters to disperse NASA supporters waiting for Raila Odinga outside JKIA on Friday.

The supporters were marching to JKIA to welcome their leader and had blocked Mombasa Road, lighting bonfires at the City Cabanas roundabout. This prompted the police to respond by deploying GSU, Recce squad and plainclothes officers to the area.

Read Also: Police Seal Off Kamukunji And Kibra Grounds To Stop NASA Rally

Police chief Joseph Boinnet had earlier on announced that people will not be allowed around or into the airport to welcome the opposition leader because it would disrupt activities as travelers safety is a priority.

The crowd engaged the police in running battles at Cabanas area as they were chocked with tear gas which filled the air. Some adamant supporters, however, still remained in the area, waving placards and twigs as they made fun of the security agents.

Reports by travelers trying to access the airport say that the police created multiple checkpoints and asked people trying to access the airport to produce proof of travel to be allowed in as many others were turned back.

Many travelers missed their flights because of the massive traffic jam it created and the security uncertainty at the airport.

Unconfirmed reports and Social Media speculation said some NASA supporters, who could afford a flight ticket, traveled to Kisumu on Thursday night and flew back to Nairobi as a way of accessing the airport.

However, there are many other supporters from different parts of the country who are flying in to welcome Mr. Odinga.

See Also: NASA MPs List Companies Supporters Should Shun

Raila himself has also arrived. He jetted back into the country with Kenya Airways flight KQ305 from Dubai, which touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around midday.

The NASA leader is expected to address his supporters later.