Concerns over Uhuru's security in gathering

Kenya; President Uhuru Kenyatta has made a name for being one of the most social Head of State in the world.

From generous handshakes, dancing with kids, having lunch at a simple hotel and mingling freely with ordinary Kenyans, Mr Kenyatta’s style of doing things is not typical with most world leaders, something that has made him a darling of many youth.

But the Thursday’s event in which President Kenyatta, accompanied by his deputy William Ruto drove in the same car to address thousands of enthusiastic supporters who had turned up to welcome him upon his return from the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague, has ignited debate on whether the duo are courting security risks.

Security and defence consultant Captain (Rtd) Simiyu Werunga told The Standard on Saturday he was shocked by the casual manner in which the President and his deputy’s security handlers played their role when Uhuru arrived from The Hague.

“I still can’t believe that the President and his deputy rode in the same vehicle,” said Mr Werunga.

Werunga expressed fear that the President and his deputy were not getting sufficient and credible advise on their personal security.

He appreciates the fact that there was anxiety and excitement over Uhuru’s return from The Hague based court, but warns of extra care when it comes to the security of the Head of State.

Similar sentiments were shared by Mwenda Mbijiwe, a security analyst. Mr Mbijiwe said the President’s security should have been guided by the fact that currently, there have been continuous terror attempts, the serious latest one being reported on Nakumatt Junction Mall.

“There have been attempts that should send signal to security intelligence that we can’t leave things to chance,” said Mbijiwe adding: “The Nakumatt Junction Mall incident where some paraphernalia was recently found should be a wake-up call that someone is doing surveillance on us with no good intention.”

Mbijiwe is now taking issue with VIPs especially in the political class, saying they have been ignoring even the basics regarding their security.

“They have completely ignored the basic personal security ethics,” he said. He points an accusing finger at the President’s security handlers, saying it was not enough to have bodyguards running beside the President’s vehicle, as they did on Thursday.

Alluding to the assassination of former US President JF Kennedy in 1963, political analyst and Nyando politician Jared Okello said it was unsafe for the two leaders to travel in the same vehicle.

Kennedy was fatally shot while travelling with his wife and Texas Governor John Connally in a Presidential motorcade.

“Although it sends a good political message to their supporters that they blend well, the duo’s presence in one vehicle poses a greater security risk to the country,” he argued.

Following the re-emergence of political intolerance in the country, Mr Okello maintained that the two leaders must take precaution to avert forms of risks that accompany the tendency. The wave of ‘dirty’ politics peaked recently when a man attacked and caned former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya at a CORD rally at Kinango market in Kwale.

President Kenyatta himself was not spared in the wave of ‘dirty’ politics when rowdy youth chanting pro-ODM slogans interrupted his event in Migori County last month.

“Owing to what transpired in Migori, the President must now change tact and realise that he carries the security of around 40 million Kenyans,” Okello added.

Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir said although the show of unity between the two leaders was crucial, “it can be exhibited in other ways that are not likely to jeopardise the security of the country”.

“God forbid, something unexpected happens and we lose both of them, the country will be left in a very awkward situation,” he said.

Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa (Ford-K) said the security team should be given special VIP training to safeguard the country’s top leadership.

“Our enemies, the Al-Shabbab, are not asleep and they want to hit their highest targets. They are likely to take advantage of the security lapses to harm the country,” he warned.

Mbijiwe points at simple mistakes that are made by top Government officials relating to security.

“How could the late George Saitoti (former Internal Security minister) and his assistant Orwa Ojode travel in the same chopper,” posed Mbijiwe.