Chidi Samuel || Kenya opposition leader Raila Odinga took a symbolic presidential oath of office on the Bible in front of thousands of ecstatic supporters on Tuesday in a direct challenge to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s rule.
“I, Raila Omolo Odinga, do swear that I will protect the nation as people’s president, so help me God,” he said as the crowd cheered.
Kenyan authorities had earlier shut down TV stations to prevent live coverage of a swearing-in event by opposition leader, who boycotted last year’s disputed presidential election.
Several hundred supporters gathered at a park in central Nairobi, where the opposition event took place.
The result of the August general election was annulled following allegations of irregularities.
Uhuru Kenyatta won a re-run in October, but Mr. Odinga did not take part.
President Kenyatta was sworn in for a second term last November.
He warned the media not to cover Tuesday’s event and the attorney general said holding such a ceremony amounted to treason.
However, the main TV stations streamed the event on their websites and on YouTube and Facebook.
With agency report