Kenya opposition leader sworn-in at mock inauguration

World Today

Opposition leader Raila Odinga gestures to his supporters as he arrives for a mock “swearing-in” ceremony at Uhuru Park in downtown Nairobi, Kenya Tuesday, Jan. 30, 2018. Odinga was sworn-in as “the people’s president” during a mock “inauguration”, in protest of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s new term following the divisive 2017 election, and despite the government’s warning that the event would be considered treason. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)

Opposition leader Raila Odinga took an oath of office in front of thousands of supporters to protest President Uhuru Kenyatta’s new term.

CGTN’s Susan Mwonglei reports.

For some, the event was anticlimactic because not all leaders of the National Super Alliance coalition were there.

Initially, there was a standoff at the ‘swearing-in’ ceremony.

The government had dismissed the event as unconstitutional, and police were on standby to prevent any illegal gathering.

Despite Uhuru park grounds being declared off-limits to the public, thousands of opposition supporters gathered there to ensure that the ceremony proceeded as planned.

The gathering was largely peaceful although police did fire a tear gas canister at a group of youth who were reportedly attempting to block Kenyatta Avenue.

After a brief address to his followers, Odinga left and promised to soon announce his party’s next course of action