The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet has declined to oblige to opposition Chief Raila Odinga’s request to be accorded more security, reports the Star.
Raila wrote to the IG seeking to have his security detail expanded from the current 16 to 50.
In a letter dated May 23, Raila articulated through his spokesman Dennis Onyango that there is need for his bodyguards to be increased as the current 16 are “under strength”.
“An audit of the current strength of the personnel and the vehicles provided for Hon. Oding’a security against the fact that he is now a Presidential candidate indicates serious inadequacy,” he stated.
He broke down the cadres of officers who should be added to his team.
He has requested for one police officer-a Superintendent by rank, one Chief Inspector, two Inspectors, two Sergeants, two Corporals and 24 Constables.
Further, he has asked for 11 new cars; one Mercedes Benz, 4 four-wheel drive vehicles and 6 saloon cars.
He explained how the cars will be put to use.
“Of the six saloon cars, two will be assigned to chase cars (one front and one rear), two will be in the advance team, one will be in Nairobi for use in the deployment of officers and the other to remain in Nairobi for escort on his return when he flies out,” read part of the letter.
“Of the four 4WD vehicles, one will be in the convoy for Hon Odinga’s use, one in the advance team and one to wait in Nairobi to receive him on return when he flies.”
For the 24 police Constables he requested, he said they would be deployed to his homes in Nairobi, Kisumu and Bondo to provide security. They will also be deployed to his private office at Capitol Hill.
Raila also told Boinnet that a Superintendent in his team will be an important instrument for supervision and as a go-between him and the Police service.
“The need to have an officer of the rank of Superintendent as in-charge of the detachment is to create effective supervision and discipline in the team as well as proper liaison with the police establishment for administrative and operational matters.”
“This will include accountability and timely processing of the officers’ travel allowances when they travel outside their stations.”
The Superintendent will be deputized by Chief Inspector.
However, Boinnet in his reply on May 28 cited that the current deployment of security for Raila is enough.
He said going by the retirement benefits, Raila already has much more than what he requires.
The Act stipulates that Raila as a Former Prime Minister will be entitled to three vehicle; two saloon cars with an engine capacity not exceeding 2, 000cc and a 4WD not exceeding 3, 000cc. They are replaceable after four years.
He is also entitled to two armed security personnel and three drivers.