Kenyan opposition leader postpones presidential oath

By Magdalene Mukami and Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – Supporters of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga expressed anger on Monday after he called off his mock presidential "swearing-in" ceremony.

Odinga, head of the National Super Alliance, had vowed to hold a "people’s president" inauguration ceremony on Tuesday after President Uhuru Kenyatta took office on Nov. 28 following a bitterly disputed election.

He had been warned by Attorney General Githu Muigai last week that such an act would amount to treason.

In a statement, Odinga said that the ceremony had been postponed to a later date.

His supporters in Mathare, a poor neighborhood in Nairobi and Odinga's stronghold, expressed disappointment at his decision.

Maurice Omondi, a tailor, said: "I have never known Odinga to be such a coward. I am very sad. It must be the treason threats that he is facing."

Millicent Omunga, a businesswoman, said she was looking forward to the inauguration. "Baba [as his supporters fondly call him] has let me down."

Christine Nyaboke, who works at a restaurant, said also accused Odinga of cowardice.

"I am done. I will no longer heed to their calls to assemble or follow any events that they will be holding. This has been a waste of time. I thought Odinga was brave and he would lead us to the promised land but instead he has chickened out."

However, a section of loyal Odinga supporters told Anadolu Agency that they would wait for the next call by their leader and announcement of a new date.