Obama’s The Beast involved in drills on Nairobi streets and State House

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s private secretary Jomo Gecaga poses infront of The Beast when Obama's vehicles made a stop over at State House. (Photo:Courtesy)

The motorcade that will carry US president Barack Obama including “The Beast” were involved in an early morning drill on Nairobi streets that ended up in State House.

The vehicles also drove into Villa Rosa Kempinski Hotel, drawing speculation the US President and some of his delegation will stay there.

At State House, witnesses said there was a scramble from some few staff present to pose pictures with “The Beast”.

Among those who took photos with the vehicle was president Kenyatta’s private secretary Jomo Gecaga. He posted some of the pictures on his Instagram.

In one of the photos, a white man believed to be a member of the secret service is seen warning Gecaga not to touch the vehicle.

Witnesses said there was excitement among some State House staff when secret service drivers parked the vehicles at the entrance and alighted for reconnaissance.

The eight vehicles later snaked out of State House to undisclosed location. The vehicles have been conducting drills since early this week ahead of Obama’s arrival.

Thursday, US planes conducted more drills and reconnaissance in the city landing at University of Nairobi grounds and UN headquarters in Gigiri.

The choppers included the two green Marine and three four Boeing V-22 Osprey. They hovered the city before flying back to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Obama and his team are expected in Nairobi on Friday night.

Upon his arrival in Nairobi, the bustling city of four million is expected to come to a virtual standstill as many of its main traffic arteries will be blocked to make way for the president of the world's superpower.

Most companies and schools have closed businesses because of the visit.

Kenyan and American agencies have stepped up security measures in and around the city and the county government renovated key sites where Obama is expected to visit.

More than 10,000 police and intelligence personnel have been put on special duty under U.S. command until Obama leaves.