KDF offer 21-gun salute in honour of visiting leader

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang who is making his maiden trip to Africa since assuming office, received a red carpet reception with the highest honours — a 21–gun salute.

He is the first foreign leader to be accorded “maximum” respect by President Uhuru Kenyatta in his 14 months in office.

Several heads of state and government, including those in the region, have been to Kenya but Mr Li’s arrival appears to have specially captured the President’s attention.

The first gun sound from State House sparked panic in the neighbourhood given the state of insecurity in the city and the recent explosions associated with terrorism but when the military action continued and the count went on to number 21 it was clear an extra-ordinary military event was taking place.

There was temporary interruption of communications around State House and its environs after communication networks were jammed after the Chinese leader arrived in State.

NORMAL SECURITY

Security officers at State House, however, explained that it was normal security measure always taken whenever such guests are visiting.

The Chinese leader arrived in Nairobi accompanied by a delegation of more than 300 senior government officials and businessmen in a visit which has stirred massive expectations in Kenya and opened discussion in social media.

Though Mr Li and Mr Kenyatta speak different languages, the two leaders have been adequately aided to understand each other through the support of two Chinese interpreters accompanying the Chinese premier.

Occasionally when each of the leaders spoke the listening one appeared to offer an immediate smile, as if they understood each other.

Prior to the premier’s arrival,  traditional dancers were assembled at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to entertain the guests.

At one point, a driver of one of the governors from Central Kenya was expelled from the airport for violating traffic protocol laid by members of the presidential security by driving into a restricted area.

Kenyan journalists, mostly from major media houses, were kept at bay but their Chinese counterparts were not restricted.

A top official attached to Presidential Escort had ordered that local journalist be restricted from accessing the arena before the Chinese leader arrived.

Though the airport operated almost normally the area was abuzz with activities with the number of policemen patrolling nearly tripled- such was the case in Nairobi’s Central Business District.