Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari maiden visit to Kenya

ELDORET: The sound of a 21-gun salute followed by a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces was a significant event that welcomed visiting Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari into the country.

His presidential plane touched down at the Eldoret International Airport at 2:40 pm and was welcomed by his host President Uhuru Kenyatta who had arrived at the 9th Kenya Riffles (KR) Moi Barracks two hours earlier aboard a military chopper to attend prayers in honour of the gallant soldiers killed in Somalia.

It was the first time for a visiting Head of State to be welcomed outside the country's capital, Nairobi, a move that gave locals a chance to witness the event, though from a distance.

The airport was a beehive of activity with heightened security as it welcomed three African presidents for the first time. Locals clung onto the airport's fence, far away from the runway where the celebrations were taking place. Before President Buhari's arrival, Kenya's Deputy President William Ruto was already at the airport to welcome Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud who touched down at 11am.

Song and dance welcomed the entourages of the two African leaders whose countries have borne the brunt of terror attacks.
The airspace was closed to pave way for the celebrations as a heavy presence of military choppers dotted the runway.