The FIFA World Cup trophy on Monday landed in Nairobi as part of the ongoing global tour that will see it taken round in 51 countries and 91 cities.
The prestigious trophy is currently on its third tour in Nairobi and is expected to be received by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House.
The return of the highly-guarded edifice prompts memories of its first arrival in Nairobi during the grand coalition government.
The Fifa World Cup trophy made its first ever tour to Nairobi on November 11, 2009, after which the then Sports Minister Hellen Sambili organised an event where then President Mwai Kibaki was to receive it at the KICC.
At the time, Kenya was governed by a coalition agreement with President Kibaki sharing government with then Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Unfortunately, Fifa officials did not brief the two leaders that the trophy could only be touched by the head of state.
As President Kibaki enjoyed the rare moment of holding the 6.1 kilogram-golden trophy, Odinga made an attempt to join at the moment by touching it with his right hand.
In glaring protocol glitch, a Fifa security officer clad in gloves quickly took off Odinga’s arm from the trophy.
Although the incident took place in a matter of seconds, it was recorded on camera and reporters made it the center of the inaugural Nairobi tour.
Here is the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dh_znq3hnKs