General Karangi kicks out Mike Sonko from military lineup

 The Star

Nairobi Senator Mike Sonko was on Friday stopped from receiving President Uhuru Kenyatta during Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo Stadium.

The brief traditional ceremony is usually held outside the venue, just before Uhuru is ushered into a waiting armoured Land Cruiser, open above but with bullet-proof glass.

The President is accompanied by his ADC, Chief of DefenceForces and two security men.

Sonko was told off by Chief of Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi.

The senator arrived at the venue with a fleet of chase cars and a squad of bodyguards.

Unknown to him such ceremonies are a military affair left to the generals.

The Senator wanted to take advantage of the absence of Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero to play host.

Not even Deputy President William Ruto is part of the personnel ushering in the President.

Ruto’s role is to welcome the President inside the venue and to usher him to make his formal address.

The Deputy President also plays a peripheral role when the President is leaving the podium for his official limousine as the army generals led by the CDF cordon the President to see him off.

A few members from of the first are allowed but they use a different car.