‘I won’t beg Ruto’s gov’t to reinstate my security’ – Raila

Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party Leader Raila Odinga says the Kenya Kwanza administration is yet to reinstate his security team which was withdrawn at the height of anti-government protests in July.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Wednesday night, the former prime minister said he relies on his private security to move around.

The former prime minister, however, noted that he would not beg the government to reinstate his elite police guards despite being entitled to state security as a former senior public officer.

“You heard the deputy president (Rigathi Gachagua) saying the officers had been withdrawn and would be returned after three months but depending on the good conduct of those who were involved. The officers have not been returned.

“I’ve not even bothered to complain but I know my security is in the act; it’s provided for in law. They are there because of my duties as a prime minister. I am entitled to retirement benefits and security is part of it but I will not bother to request them. They have their reasons why they withdrew them. Do you mean I should go and beg them? I won’t even waste my time going to court because I know the courts themselves are compromised,” Raila stated.

Pressed on whether he was concerned about his safety Raila said “My biggest security are the people. That’s why I can go around walking in the streets without much problem.”

Other leaders who had their security withdrawn include former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, Governors Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay) and dozens of MPs affiliated with the opposition.

The opposition had called for street demonstrations to protest against the rising cost of living and alleged electoral fraud in last year’s presidential poll.

Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome had in March vowed to withdraw security for all VIPs involved in anti-government demonstrations.

“The IG will give all VIPS security. But there is no way I can give you security if you use the same privilege to throw stones at me,” Koome stated.

Raila weighs in on Haiti mission

Meanwhile, Raila on Wednesday dismissed Kenya’s plans to deploy 1,000 police officers to combat criminal gangs in Haiti as a misplaced priority.

The opposition chief said the security situation in the Caribbean nation needs a political solution and not guns.

“Why Kenya? The US itself withdrew its forces from there, the problem with Haiti is political, they do not need more guns to calm that situation,” Raila stated.

“I don’t see if the situation in Haiti is a priority to Kenyans… Haitians should be encouraged to find a homegrown solution so that you can have a sustainable democracy,” he added.