You’re safe, Saitoti tells MPs

Internal Security minister Prof George Saitoti on February 24, 2011 told MPs that police had investigated the claims of security concern and found no cause for worry. Photo/FILE 

By Nation ReporterPosted Thursday, February 24 2011 at 21:00

You are safe, very safe. That was the message from Internal Security minister George Saitoti to MPs on Thursday.

He dismissed claims Israeli mercenaries were in town targeting prominent politicians. (Read: ODM leaders targeted by Israeli goons, MPs claim)

“The country has no Israeli mercenaries,” the minister told the parliamentary Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations. He spoke amid fears from MPs over their security.

ODM nominated MP Millie Odhiambo told the House on Tuesday she was recently attacked by unknown persons who robbed her of cash but did not harm her at the weekend.

Reinstated on orders

Juja MP William Kabogo also expressed fears after his bodyguard was withdrawn for two days last week. The officer was later reinstated on the minister’s orders.

The committee asked the minister to shed light on the security concerns facing MPs. Prof Saitoti said police had investigated the claims and found no cause for worry.

“We want to assure members that they are not threatened in any way,” the minister said.

He said the Israeli woman who had checked out of a hotel where it had been alleged the “hit men” were staying was an employee of an international organisation.

The minister was accompanied by Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere.