Raila’s sister security aides withdrawn

By Rushie Oudia

Kisumu, Kenya: Security detail for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s sister has been withdrawn under unclear circumstances.

Ms Ruth Odinga who is also the Kisumu Deputy Governor claimed she was shocked to find that the guards had been recalled without her knowledge on Friday.

The same fate befell the County Speaker Ann Adul who had been assigned only one security officer since she was sworn into office.

All the five security officers assigned to Ms Odinga were withdrawn yet her colleagues in other counties were still enjoying the privilege.

“My counterparts from other counties confirmed to me that their security detail was still intact,” she told journalists at a press conference in Kisumu.

When she contacted the Kisumu Administration Police Commandant, she was told that there had been a circular withdrawing her security detail.

“I wonder if a circular was only meant for me?” she asked.

The deputy governor said she cannot operate without security detail as she is currently in charge of the county since the governor is away on a tour of the United States of America with the former Prime Minister.

Four officers were stationed at her home while one was her bodyguard.

Other Deputy Governors who spoke to The Standard confirmed that they still have their security detail. Homabay Deputy Governor, Hamilton Orata and his Migori counterpart Nelson Mahanga said they still enjoy government protection.

Frustrate

Mr Mahanga condemned the move to withdraw Ms Odinga’s security saying they received a circular immediately after the elections stating that they were entitled to security.

“In the circular, we were entitled to have five officers and I do not understand why they should be withdrawn,” he said.

The Kisumu Deputy Governor however did not link the move to withdraw her security detail to attempts to frustrate the Odinga family.

“I find this move sinister. However, I won’t say that being the former PM’s sister, I am also targeted to frustrate my brother,” she said.

Recently the Government barred Raila from using the VIP lounge at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi