NASA plan for Raila ‘Grand Reception’ a threat to airport security, police warn

NASA leader Raila Odinga

The National Police Sevice Spokesman George Kinoti on Wednesday warned that the National Super Alliance (NASA) plan for Raila Odinga’s grand reception will compromise airport security.

The NASA leaders were mobilizing crowds to march to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to receive Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka from an overseas trip. Raila had journeyed abroad to explain why they withdrew from the October 26 repeat presidential election and push to democracy development in Kenya.

Mr Kinoti said the march by NASA supporters would not only be a security risk but the organisers would also be noncompliant with the Public Order Act (2016).

“Anyone wishing to organise a public procession or meting must comply with the Public Order Act (2016),” said Mr Kinoti.

The police spokesman noted that JKIA is a protected area and only people with valid reasons can be allowed access to the premises.

“Those without valid reasons to enter the facility will hence be denied entry, those making plans for the day are advised accordingly,” he said.

JKIA Arrivals terminal

The plan

NASA leader Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka are expected to depart Germany on Thursday night and arrive in Nairobi Friday morning in time for a series of political rallies in the city.

In a statement signed by Siaya Senator James Orengo and former senators Johnson Muthama (Machakos) and Boni Khalwale (Kakamega) on Monday, NASA announced that it will hold what it termed a "grand rehearsal" at the historic Kamkunji grounds this Thursday (November 16).

 “To this effect, the organisers of the grand welcome invite supporters to a major rally at the Kamkunji grounds. The rally will be a dress-rehearsal for the Friday grand welcome,” read part of the statement.

“We welcome all Kenyans to this grand Thursday rally and the arrival party on Friday. All these are part of our continuing journey of ensuring electoral justice and putting to an end the evil culture of sham elections with predetermined outcomes,” it added.

Organisers say the NASA leaders will be received at JKIA from where they will begin a procession on Mombasa Road before concluding with a rally at Uhuru Park.