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Ombudsman to probe security lapses during Garissa attack

By  OLIVE BURROWS

NAIROBI, Kenya,– The Commission on Administrative Justice has launched investigations into the Garissa University College terror attack that took place a fortnight ago leaving 148 people dead to determine if there were any lapses in the government’s response.

In a statement, the commission chairperson Otiende Amollo on Friday said they would conduct the investigation in their role as a government watchdog.

“In the recent past there have been a series of attacks on civilians by suspected Al Shabaab militia. These attacks including the 2013 Westgate shopping mall attack, the 2014 Nairobi bus bombings, Gikomba bombings, Mpeketoni and Lamu attacks, among others are indicative of possible security lapses and weaknesses in terms of response by security agencies,” he explained in a statement to newsrooms.

Amollo who stated that the commission had written to and informed President Uhuru Kenyatta of their intent explained that their aim is to not only hold the agencies to account but to help them learn from any mistakes that may have been made.

“The commission will therefore be seeking inter alia (among other things) to investigate inaction by security agencies and the University management on alleged prior warning of the impending attack. To look into alleged delay in the deployment of an aircraft to support the rescue team that resulted in an eight hour delay,” he stated.

Amollo said they also plan to verify the number of those killed in the gun attack, those injured; those who may still be missing and, “to inquire into the alleged delay in the process of identification and verification of the bodies of the deceased.”

Similar questions arose following the Westgate attack in which 67 persons were killed by Al Shabaab gunmen with President Kenyatta committing to forming a commission of inquiry.

The commission was never formed but a joint parliamentary committee failed to indict the police and military.

The report was rejected by the House on the grounds that it was not truthful and amid demands for the sacking of top security officials.

The then Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph ole Lenku were later replaced.

Source: CAPITALNEWS

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