Govt Makes Swift Protocol Changes After Raila Odinga Enters KICC Using Presidential Route

• Principal Secretary of State Department of Interior Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the decision comes after a review of the security arrangements
• He said all Presidential motorcades were advised to access and exit KICC through the entrance along City Hall Way
• However, Kenyans reacted differently to the new changes, especially after they came a few hours after ODM leader Raila Odinga used a route meant for presidents

Nairobi - The government has revised security protocols for anyone accessing the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the ongoing Africa Climate Summit.

Raymond Omollo: Which route presidents will access KICC?

In a statement, the Principal Secretary of State Department of Interior Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said the decision came after a routine review of the security arrangements.

Under the new changes, all Presidential motorcades were advised to access and exit KICC through the entrance along City Hall Way.

All local and foreign Cabinet Secretaries were advised to access the venue through the entrance along Harambee Avenue.

“All Ministers, both local and foreign, Principal Secretaries and Diplomats Corps will access the venue through the entrance along Harambee Avenue, ” PS Omollo said.

Apart from those accredited to enter the first ballroom (Tsavo), the rest of the delegates were directed to access the venue via the entrance along Parliament Road.

“Access to Tsavo, Aberdares and Lenana ballrooms will only be granted to the delegates accredited to enter the first ballroom (Tsavo). The rest of the delegates will access the venue through the entrance along Parliament Road,” the statements added.

The Interior PS stated that the changes take effect immediately and that security officers and traffic marshals will be available along the access roads to provide the necessary support and direction.

“The changes take effect immediately, and the delegates and their entourage are advised to take note and faithfully adhere to the new protocols to avoid unnecessary delays, inconveniences and jam-ups at the entrances, ” he added.

The changes elicited many mixed reactions from a section of Kenyans, a majority who argued that the move was necessary because ODM leader Raila Odinga decided to use the City Hall Way.

Philip Etale:

"Raymond Omollo has decided to issue a statement… the fear of Baba. Remember the Ministry of Environment had refused to give accreditation to him but the AU and the UN said Baba MUST attend this very important Summit."

Thamo:

"It’s too late He was highly received."

Njui:

"Baba is a regular civilian. Anafaa kupanga line kama kila mtu."

Jo:

"How did baba pass through all this barriers."

Cy gor-ila;

"Baba jumped protocol is it?"

Pauline' Njoroge, HCS

"Raila Odinga , Baba, went into KICC using the heads of states entrance. Rigathi Gachagua was supposed to receive heads of states , only for Rao to show up and was received as a head of state by Riggy G, Wacha baba aitwe Baba!!"

Gachagua receives Raila at KICC

Meanwhile, the ODM leader arrived at KICC minutes before 9am for the continental conference.

On his arrival at KICC, the opposition chief was received by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and African Union (AU) chairperson Moussa Faki.

This is the third event Raila will be attending an event with President William Ruto and the deputy president.