Nairobi police ready for papal visit, says Boinnet

President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects the Papal Altar at the University of Nairobi, where Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass. The Pope arrives on November 25 for his first visit to the country. On arrival, His Holiness will proceed to State House for bilateral discussions with President Kenyatta after which the Pope will make a special address to the nation.

NAIROBI: The Government has assured residents and visitors of adequate security ahead of Pope Francis’ arrival in Nairobi next week.

Inspector General Joseph Boinnet Friday said Sate agencies were on high alert.

Nairobi County Commander Japheth Koome also assured Kenyans that security agencies had put in place measures to ensure the visit by the head of the Catholic Church, who is expected to arrive on Wednesday, goes smoothly.

“We want to assure Kenyans of their safety during the visit by the Pope,” said Koome.

He said a large contingent of security personnel would be deployed in the city to ensure pilgrims and visitors are safe.

In addition, Koome said enough traffic officers would be deployed to control traffic since a large number of people are expected to travel to Nairobi for the Holy Mass at the University of Nairobi and other events.

State House had earlier announced that around 10,000 police officers would provide security for the pontiff. Additionally, some 10,000 National Youth Service personnel will assist in crowd control.

At the same time, Boinnet warned of possible terror strikes in the northern parts of the country, but assured Kenyans of extra vigilance to thwart threats posed by the Al-Shabaab terror group.

“We are at a war with an invisible enemy, who looks like us and lives among us. This calls for each and every person to be extra vigilant at all times,” Boinnet said through police spokesman Charles Owino.

He said the police have intelligence that the terrorists were sneaking into Mandera, Wajir and Garissa as a result of the presence of Kenyan troops in Somalia.

The spokesman declined to provide finer details, but said deployment plans would be shared later.