Tight security as Kenyans mark Madaraka DayBy ALPHONCE SHIUNDU in Nairobi | Friday, June 1  2012 at  14:07

Security was tight at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi as Kenya marked the 49th Madaraka (Self-Government) Day celebrations Friday.

A strong contingent of police officers, some on horseback and in plainclothes and hundreds of Administration Policemen (AP) manned the entrances to the stadium.

The screening of crowds at the entrance took long as the officers demanded those in line to produced identity cards (ID).

As time wore on, a palpable impatience was felt among the crowds. They abandoned the long queues and started arguing with the police officers manning the gates.

President Kibaki had arrived and the usual fanfare had begun.

Already, a helicopter with a white banner written on 'Tuko Imara Angani' (Our Skies Are Secure) had flown past.

Different choirs were singing praises.