Governor Rasanga declines security screening at Obama event

A standoff was witnessed on Monday morning after Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga declined to undergo security screening at the Sauti Kuu Foundation sports centre in Kogelo, Siaya, where former U.S president Barack Obama was scheduled to officiate an event.

Governor Rasanga, who arrived at the sports centre at around 10am insisted that he is the leader of the host county, hence, should not be subjected to the security search.

“I am the governor of this county, I will not be searched,” Governor Rasanga told officers of a private company stationed at the search point.

When the officers insisted on searching him, the Governor walked aside to have a talk with a security official before he walked away and made his way into the venue.

According to the Citizen Digital crew on the ground, Rasanga’s bodyguards were, however, not allowed into the venue as they were armed.

In a sharp contrast, however, Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and other leaders gracing the event had no problem being searched.

Heavy security was deployed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), at the Sauti Kuu Foundation Centre – where Obama was set to be the Chief Guest during the vocational training centre’s launch – as well as at his grandmother Mama Sarah’s home.

At  the Sauti Kuu Centre, there were at least half a dozen lorries carrying GSU officers and an almost equal number of vehicles from the US embassy with more security personnel.

Secret Service officials were also in sight to oversee smooth running of the former President’s visit.

There was also two roadblocks, half-a-kilometer apart, along the road leading to the institute. To gain access past the roadblocks, one was required to have very high level clearance.

The Sauti Kuu Foundation’s project comprises of a Sports Centre and, Resource and Vocational Training Centre run by Obama’s half sister Dr. Auma Obama.

After inaugurating the Foundation and visiting his ancestral home, Obama will later on Monday head to South Africa where he is expected to deliver the 16th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture in Johannesburg.