Police expert: Presidential detector is the best for Nairobi show

By Collins Kweyu

There are fears that the metal detector to be used at the Nairobi International Trade Fair might not promise security to show goers.

A police insider told The Nairobian they may need to use more efficient and powerful gadgets.

An officer who requested to remain anonymous because of his rank in the service but is conversant with security screening, said he doubts the accuracy of the gadgets being used by police and other private security officials in the city.

He said police may have to find powerful metal detectors to ensure tens of thousands of people are screened in time and thoroughly.

He proposed that the police invest in two metal detectors – Robo III and Garret 6005i, commonly used during presidential functions.

He said the normal hand held gadgets commonly used are inefficient and their batteries do not last.

But his bosses assured Nairobians there will be enough security at Jamhuri Park during the Nairobi international show.

The show begins on September 30 and ends on October 6.

Nairobi deputy AP commander Chrispus Mutali told The Nairobian that police will not be taking chances following the attack on Westgate by Somali militants.

“We are going to deploy enough security officers at the showground to make sure that the Nairobi International show is successful. Our officers will be drawn from the regular Police, Administration Police, CID as well as horse and sniffer dog police units,” Mutali said.

He warned terrorists that they will be dealt with seriously.

He further said police will patrol areas surrounding Jamhuri Park during the trade fair to make sure criminals do not use them as hideouts to launch attacks.

They include Kibera, Dagoretti Corner, Race Course, Lenana and Kawangware, which are notorious for harbouring hardcore criminals.

Metal detectors are supposed to pick up guns, knives or explosives carried by a person.

Early detection of weaponry helps security agents to preempt an attack.