Police seek FBI help to unravel Friday twin grenade attacks

BY LUCIANNE LIMO

Kenya Police has sought the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to investigate the twin attack on police officers.

Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere said the FBI officers arrived on Saturday morning to help in the investigations into the murder of three police officers.

"The FBI will help us analyse the type of grenades used by the assailants. This can lead us to identify the source of the grenades used,’ Iteere told the media at the police headquarters.

Iteere downplayed any terrorism links to the attacks saying they roped in FBI because they have superior knowledge in forensic analysis.

He also said investigations currently underway, will determine whether the two incidences that happened in Eastleigh and Roy Sambu roundabout were related.

On Friday, Iteere directed anti-terrorism police unit, the bomb disposal squad and forensic section of Criminal Investigation Department to carry out thorough investigation.
"So far our investigators are analysing the evidence collected from the scene and eyewitness accounts," he said.

On Friday morning, in the populous Eastleigh estate, an explosion occurred in an administration police vehicle killing corporal Erastus Kamau and injuring two other officers.

On the same day at 4 pm, police constables Benson Mutuma and Arthur Kamuga were shot and hand grenade hurled at them by assailants riding on a motorbike at the Roy Sambu roundabout.

Shot at two officers

According to Iteere, the two officers were manning the roundabout and stopped a motorbike for routine check.

"As they were checking, the pillion passenger drew a pistol and shot at the two officers," he said.

Iteere said two assailants were apprehended and investigations are under way to establish their identity, their motive and whether they were acting on their own or were in cahoots with others.

Police recovered the motorcycle used by the attackers, one pistol, 12 rounds of ammunition and several spent cartridges.

Iteere assured the public that attacks on police was not an indication that security of the country is under threat.

"We want to send a warning to the criminals that attacking innocent law enforcement officers on duty is an affront against the rule of law and this will not be tolerated," he said.