The police on Thursday afternoon blocked and chased away journalists from accessing the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where they were scheduled to cover an opposition address.
The journalists had moved to the airport for a media briefing by National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders as indicated in their itinerary for today's event.
Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, a Royal Media Services (RMS) reporter confirmed that journalists had been blocked from accessing the airport.
Reports indicate that a huge number of General Service Unit (GSU) officers had been deployed at the airport entrance where they thoroughly checked vehicles and passengers accessing the airport.
[caption caption="Journalists leaving JKIA after being blocked by the police"]
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The Head of Unit, Mr Richard Omanga, chased away the journalists arguing that there was no scheduled event to be covered by the media.
[caption caption="Police manning the JKIA gates"]
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"We are asking you to leave. We will not allow any media briefing here without prior arrangements," he stated.
Members of the fourth estate had gathered at the gate following an earlier announcement by the coalition where they indicated that they would hold a press briefing at JKIA at noon.
Meanwhile, the police on Wednesday cautioned the Opposition and its supporters against heading to the airport.
In a statement released by the National Police Service, Deputy Inspector General George Kinoti noted that the airport is a protected area hence access is open to bonafide travelers and people who have legitimate business there.
"The attention of the National Police Service has been drawn to press reports to the effect that some politicians are mobilizing crowds to march to the JKIA to receive Raila Odinga on Friday 17th upon his return from an overseas trip.
"Anyone wishing to organise a public procession or meeting must comply with the Public Order Act (2016). JKIA is a protected area hence access is open to bonafide travelers and all others with legitimate business at the airport who must be subjected at all times to the standard security measures.
"It is therefore not advisable to mobilise huge crowds to travel to that facility as it risks jeopardising the safety of air operators, passengers and other airport users," read the statement.
Kinoti reiterated that those without valid reasons will not be allowed into the facility.
Here is NASA's announcement on their itinerary:
