Conduct thorough probe on PM office bomb

Reports that a bomb was found at the office of Prime Minister Raila Odinga are worrying. The news brought to the fore the question of whether or on the security of VIPs is guaranteed.

At time of incident, the media reported frantic efforts were made to evacuate the PM and his guest Chief Justice Willy Mutunga who were in a meeting. Also the staff in the newly refurbished building housing the PM was asked to leave the premise.

Initial investigations indicated the hand grenade had been discovered by a plumber who was working on blocked water and sewerage system in basement directly under the office of the Prime Minister and had not stayed for long.

The police combed the whole compound for any explosives. Three hours later, the experts from bomb disposal unit assured that the building was safe for occupation and allowed the staff back in.

Thereafter, top security officers addressed the media and said the device posed threat to life and property.

Failed linkage treaties

However, the police remained non-committal as to how it found its way to the building. Efforts by the media to reach the CJ and PM proved futile in spite of the fact the circumstance under which they left the building remained unclear.

However, sources close to CJ indicated by the time he left the PM’s office at around 12.30 he was not aware of the incident and he came to learn about it during the news bulletin. Does it mean they were not evacuated? The two left the building on their own volition?

Whichever the case may be, the incident was bound to raise a couple of queries. Whether or not the device posed serious danger is neither hear nor there. The police admitted a hand grenade was discovered hidden in one of the store. How did it find its way there?

Well, we all know the office of PM is under 24-hour surveillance and manned by armed and well-trained regular and administration police.

That it is difficult for a stranger to access the office is not in doubt. Before entering, one is subjected to thorough security check. One is asked to place all metallic belongings in a container and pass through a computerised machine. There are also CCTVs all over the building.

This incident should be investigated further to put facts straight. However, whether lethal or not, let investigation show how it found its way into the building.

{Joseph Mutua, Nairobi}