Daily Nation, Kenya
June 10, 2006

Unveil puzzle on Armenians

Publication Date: 6/10/2006

The Government owes Kenyans a lot of explanations following the
dramatic events that led to the arrest of the controversial Armenian
brothers.

This is the Government that officially assured us that the alleged
mercenaries were honest and genuine investors.

It is the Government that made all manner of accusations against
those raising queries about who the Armenians really were, what they
were doing in this country and why they seemed to enjoy State
protection.

Even when the fellows started acting in an arrogant manner that
should have been embarrassing to their hosts, they remained
untouchable as if confident that they enjoyed protection from the
highest office in the land.

Well, the chickens have come home to roost. The fellows have gone a
bit too far and somebody finally has had the courage to act.

The so-called investors are finally in police custody and now we
expect that the Government will be constrained to take the necessary
measures.

If they have committed any crimes, then they must be made to face the
law. Any move to spirit them out of the country before a full
investigation into their activities will be seen for what it is – a
desperate attempt at a cover-up.

The Government must also answer so many lingering questions. In the
first place, an embarrassing and very scary security breach was
witnessed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Nairobi.

Some individuals refused to open their luggage for inspection by
customs officers and brazenly forced their way out as the police
looked on helplessly.

An airport, especially in these days of terrorist threats, arms
smuggling and drug trafficking, is a high security area. How a few
individuals can send the entire airport security force cowering as
they defiantly drive away calls for a very serious probe.

Who gave them the security clearance to strut like tausi freely
around the most sensitive areas at the airport? Whom did they call to
seek intervention before making their getaway? How did they manage to
leave the airport without being challenged despite all the heavy
security?

There followed a police raid at their Runda residence, where items
were seized. A proper explanation must be provided for the haul of
car number plates – including for GK and diplomatic cars – and other
items found in the house. There was even a GK vehicle parked in the
compound!

The investigations must be thorough and culminate in the two men
being charged in court.

Deporting them before full and proper investigations are concluded
will be a pitiable attempt to prevent the truth from coming out.