Tight security set up for Biden
US Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden, with his daughter Ashley (C) arrive at Sharm El Sheikh Airport on June 6, 2010, for a meeting with President Hosni Mubarak on the first leg of an African tour. AFP PHOTO
Security at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport was heightened as the country awaits the arrival of US Vice President Joe Biden on Monday evening.
The security detail that included US Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kenya's paramilitary General Service Unit and regular police combed various sections of the airport to ensure top-notch security was maintained.
A sniffer dog was also part of the surveillance team.
At the city centre, the Intercontinental Hotel where the Vice President will stay remained a no-go zone, surrounded by US embassy vehicles in tinted windows.
City Hall Way and Kaunda Street were closed to traffic. The roads next to the hotel were a no-go zone for pedestrians.
Mr Biden is expected to be received by his Kenyan counterpart Mr Kalonzo Musyoka.
Towed
Vehicles parked near terminal three were towed away to discourage movements in the restricted area.
Shortly after 4pm, a convoy of four-wheel-drive vehicles was driven into the airport amid tight security, as officials got ready to receive their high profile guest.
A battery of journalists has camped outside the VIP area next to waiting patiently for Mr Biden who is expected in the country around 7pm.
He will be in the country for two days as part of a three-nation visit, which includes attending the opening ceremony of the Fifa World Cup in South Africa on Friday.
He is expected to deliver a special message from President Obama on reforms and the constitutional review. The American V-P will also hold talks with Prime Minister Raila Odinga and speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Kenneth Marende.
