Opposition leader Raila Odinga has suffered a blow after the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet rejected his request to be added an additional 34 bodyguards.
Boinnet in a letter to Raila noted that he already had adequate security, and mentioned that he did not see the need for more.
The IG directed the Opposition Leader to refer to the Retirement Benefits (Deputy President and Designated State Officers) Act, No 8 of 2015 which states the seven benefits that the former PM and his running mate are entitled to, including three vehicles each. Two saloon cars of an engine capacity not exceeding 2,000cc and one four-wheel-drive vehicle of an engine capacity not exceeding 3,000cc, all of which will be replaceable every four years.
The former premier had in a letter dated 23rd May 2017 requested that his bodyguards be added from 16 to 50 and also asked the government to provide him with 11 new cars.
Through his Spokesman Dennis Onyango, the National Super Alliance flagbearer argued that his security detail needed to be strengthened as the current team guarding him was 'under strength'.
In his request, Raila stated that he needed one officer in the rank of Superintendent, one Chief Inspector, two Inspectors, two Sergeants, four Corporals, and 24 Police Constables.
He had also asked for one Mercedes-Benz, four four-wheel-drive vehicles, and six saloon cars.
“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.
“Of the four 4WD vehicles, one will be in the convoy for the former Prime Minister's use, one in the advance team and one to wait in Nairobi to receive him on return when he flies," Raila's letter read in part.
Currently, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader enjoys the protection of 16 police officers, who are also deployed to guard his homes in Karen, Bondo and the Capitol Hill office.
The former Prime Minister defended his request for additional bodyguards stating that an audit conducted on his security detail revealed serious inadequacy.
“An audit of the current strength of the personnel and vehicles provided for Hon Odinga's security against the fact that he is now a presidential candidate indicates serious inadequacy, hence the purpose of this letter asking for the review and revamp of the number of both personnel and vehicles assigned to Hon Odinga's security,” Raila stated.
Currently, Raila is guarded by 10 GSU officers, two regular police officers, two AP officers and two drivers from the Prisons department.
