ODM leader Raila Odinga. [Photo/standardmedia.co.ke]
National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s request for more bodyguards and cars has been rejected by the government.
Inspector General of police Joseph Boinnet said Raila’s current security detail is adequate.
The ODM leader had requested that his bodyguards be increased from 16 to 50. He also asked the government to provide him with 11 new cars.
In a letter to the IG dated May 23, 2017 Raila, through his Spokesman Dennis Onyango, asked that his security detail be expanded because those guarding him are “under strength”.
Raila wants one officer in the rank of Superintendent, one Chief Inspector, two Inspectors, two Sergeants, four Corporals, and 24 Police Constables.
Raila Odinga. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
He has also asked for one Mercedes Benz, four four-wheel-drive vehicles and six saloon cars.
“Of the six saloon cars, two will be assigned to chase cars (one front and one rear), two will be in the advance team, one will be in Nairobi for use in the deployment of officers and the other to remain in Nairobi for escort on his return when he flies out.
“Of the four 4WD vehicles, one will be in the convoy for Hon Odinga’s use, one in the advance team and one to wait in Nairobi to receive him on return when he flies," said Raila's team in the letter.
The 16 constables, who are not drivers, according to Raila, will be deployed to provide security to his homes in Nairobi, Kisumu, Bondo and his private Capitol Hill office in Nairobi.
[Photo/the-star.co.ke]
President Uhuru Kenyatta has about 100 police officers from the elite Recce Squad of the paramilitary General Service Unit.
Deputy President William Ruto is also guarded by the same elite unit, and has about 50 police officers attached to him.
Raila argued that he was a presidential candidate, and should therefore have more security personnel around him.
“An audit of the current strength of the personnel and vehicles provided for Hon Odinga's security against the fact that he is now a presidential candidate indicates serious inadequacy, hence the purpose of this letter asking for the review and revamp of the number of both personnel and vehicles assigned to Hon Odinga's security,” he said.
Raila is guarded by 10 GSU officers, two regular police officers, two AP officers and two drivers from the Prisons department.