Questions raised as presidential aspirants lack security detail

By Cyrus Ombati

Kenya: The safety of some presidential candidates has raised major concerns after it emerged that some were walking on the streets of Nairobi without security personnel.

The candidates appear to be oblivious of the trouble they could create for Kenyans should they be killed before the presidential election is held and determined.

Article 138 (8) of the Constitution says a presidential election shall be cancelled and a new election held if a candidate for election as president or deputy dies on or before the scheduled election date.

The election shall then be held within 60 days after the date set for the first election thus creating delays in the much-anticipated exercise. On Monday, Mohammed Dida Abduba (Alliance for Real Change) presidential candidate was seen walking alone from his Gilfilan House office to Jamia Mosque for afternoon prayers at 1pm.

Another candidate, Snr Counsel Paul Muite, told The Standard he had not received any security from the police force. “We do not know why they have not given us the security up to now. We are yet to get the security,” said Muite. He was also concerned that his running mate, Dr Shem Ochuodho, had also not been given any protection despite the sensitivity of the office they are seeking to occupy.

The Standard reporters later caught up with Muite at a Nairobi club where he was having tea without any security officers attached to him.

Another candidate, Prof James ole Kiyiapi, has also not received additional security officers and still uses the two assigned to him when he was serving as Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education.

“We need to be told the standard detail of what all of us should expect,” he said.

More officers

Also not having any security detail is Winnie Kaburu Kinyua, who is Kiyiapi’s running mate. Narc Kenya Presidential candidate Martha Karua has also not been given additional security officers apart from the officers attached to her as an MP.

Her running mate, Augustine Lotodo, has not been given any security detail although the Narc Kenya Head of Communication Lilian Lelei said they had been promised more police officers.

“We are told that security officers will be provided in Nairobi, although we do not know their names and the numbers,” said Lelei.

On Monday, Dida said he and his deputy, Joshua Odongo Onono, had each been given two armed guards and asked to pick up three more by the Director, National Police Operations, Mr Njue Njagi. He said his guards were from the General Service Unit and that he was happy with the arrangements.

 “I am starting my vigorous campaigns soon and so far we have our security with us. They told us to pick the people we wanted and we are scouting from the trained squads,” he said, adding that security was crucial given they were entering the campaign period.

Odongo said he would have to consult before asking for officers because he does not know any GSU officer. It is because of the danger posed to them that some of the eight presidential candidates have complained they are yet to get State security despite assurance their security would be beefed up.

Dangerous situation

They argued the situation was dangerous and they cannot campaign freely for fear of being attacked or hurt. Muite (Safina) and Ochuodho said they were yet to receive the security they deserve almost a week after they were cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to run for the highest office.

Mr Muite said the country would have to wait for three months if one of the presidential aspirants dies. Ochuodho said he is also waiting for security to be accorded to him to enable him start his campaigns.