Raila Odinga back in Kenya from US amid chaos in Nairobi
Friday November 17 2017
Nasa leader Raila Odinga disembarks from the plane at JKIA on November 17, 2017. PHOTO | SILAS APOLLO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Kenya police used teargas to disperse Raila Odinga's supporters who had gathered along Mombasa Road in the capital Nairobi to welcome him back to the country Friday.
The opposition National Super Alliance (Nasa) leaders had mobilised their followers to march to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to receive Mr Odinga who had been on a 10-day visit to the US.
As the plane carrying him touched down a few minutes after 11am, the police engaged his supporters, who wanted to force their way into the heavily guarded airport, in running battles.
About 200 supporters are reported to have beat the security cordon and entered the airport to receive him.
Mr Odinga is expected to address a rally at Uhuru Park in the capital's city centre.
Pictures
Here are some of the pictures from the morning clashes.
Several vehicles were destroyed and a few motorists were injured during the chaos on Mombasa Road.
A police officer was injured during the fracas after he was hit by a stone hurled by a Nasa supporter.
Police had a rough time controlling traffic on one of the country's busiest and a key road that links the port of Mombasa to landlocked countries in East and Central Africa.
Meanwhile, Kenya Airways said its passengers were affected by disruptions along Mombasa road. Those who missed their flights were advised to re-booked at no fee. Move applies to those travelling before 1800h local time from JKIA, for tickets bought on or prior to Friday Nov 17.