Several people have been injured as crowds tried to force their way into the stadium where Kenya’s president-elect William Ruto is to be sworn in, according to local media reports.
Television footage showed hundreds of people scaling a wall to gain access to the 60,000-seat Kasarani stadium in Nairobi, which was packed with spectators before dawn on Tuesday.
Ruto supporters dressed in his party’s colours of yellow and green, dancing and waving miniature national flags as a band played music from the podium.
But dozens of people were seen falling on top of each other at one entrance gate, while first aid responders carried people to a waiting ambulance.
Police spokesman Bruno Shioso said the stadium was filled to capacity at 5am (02:00 GMT) and urged Kenyans to follow the proceedings from home.
“In anticipation of being part of history, Kenyans have thronged the venue in large numbers,” Shioso said in a statement.
“To avoid logistical challenges, this is to request the public to make alternative arrangements to view the proceedings, especially from the comfort of their homes.”
Ruto is due to take the oath of office by 2pm (11:00 GMT) on Tuesday, five weeks to the day since the August 9 election that saw him clinch a narrow win over his rival Raila Odinga.