Vandals raid Raila office, State chemist

By CYRUS OMBATI

Nairobi, Kenya: Suspected thugs broke-into former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s office in Nairobi on Monday night and stole valuables.

Mr Odinga said thugs appeared to have used master keys to gain entry to Raila Odinga Centre in Upper Hill as there was no evidence of forced entry.

Speaking at Nyayo House, Nairobi where he had gone to replace his passport, Mr Odinga said police were investigating the incident.

“It is hard to tell how they managed to get in as the door is intact. The building is also guarded by Administration Police who had not reported to the authorities,” Mr Odinga said.

The centre also serves as a private office and was Mr Odinga’s campaign headquarters in 2007 and was also used in the March polls.

Separately, unknown people broke into the Government Chemist offices in Nairobi and stole computers with crucial data on forensic reports.

Police and officials at the offices confirmed five computers that contained data they described as “very important” were carted away by an unknown number of people.

The officials said the reports included those on various DNA results, anti-narcotics, post-mortem and other tests on various materials on different cases.

“Crucial forensic data is in the hands of people we think are criminals. We do not know the motive of the burglary but your guess is as good as mine,” said a senior official aware of the incident.

The break-in apparently happened last Wednesday, days after police had picked up an autopsy report on the late Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo.

It is not clear if the data on the report was also in the stolen computers. Those who have seen the report say there was a mysterious drug in his blood, which points at foul play.

Acting Government chemist Leonard Waweru confirmed the incident but referred us to police for more information. “The issue is now under police investigations and I cannot comment on it further for now,” said Mr Waweru.

Nairobi County head of CID Nicholas Kamwende said his officers are investigating the incident with an intention of establishing the motive and arresting those behind it.