ADVERTISEMENT

No change to president's Kenya itinerary despite security breach

In 2002, Kenyan authorities said al Qaeda operatives fired shoulder-launched missiles at a Boeing 757 airliner as it took off from Moi International airport outside the port of Mombasa headed for Tel Aviv.

No change to Obama's Kenya itinerary despite security breach -White House

The White House does not plan to change President Barack Obama's itinerary for his trip to Kenya later this week despite disclosure of the presidential plane's Nairobi arrival and departure times.

Kenya Airways sent a notice through its public relations agency on Tuesday giving the 40- to 50-minute windows for Air Force One's landing in Nairobi on Friday and departure on Sunday, information considered not for public disclosure for security reasons.

White House national security adviser Susan Rice told reporters on Wednesday that the Secret Service, which is charged with protecting the president, was aware of the breach.

"But I don't think it in any way is disturbing our plans," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Kenya Airways representative denied the airline leaked sensitive information and said it was standard procedure to give notice when Kenyan airspace would be closed, such as during Air Force One's landing and takeoff.

Obama's trip to Kenya raises particular security concerns for the Secret Service. The East African country has been the target of a series of attacks in recent years attributed to the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab group, which is based in neighboring Somalia.

In 2002, Kenyan authorities said al Qaeda operatives fired shoulder-launched missiles at a Boeing 757 airliner as it took off from Moi International airport outside the port of Mombasa headed for Tel Aviv. It was not hit.

Obama's Africa trip will also include a stop in Ethiopia. He returns to the United States late ON Tuesday.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

2 students fall and die trying to take a selfie at waterfall

2 students fall and die trying to take a selfie at waterfall

VP Shettima calls on academics to contribute to Nigeria's security, prosperity

VP Shettima calls on academics to contribute to Nigeria's security, prosperity

Elon Musk threatens to suspend Twitter accounts involved in engagement farming

Elon Musk threatens to suspend Twitter accounts involved in engagement farming

'Yahaya Bello' - Kogi parliament told to begin impeachment process of Gov Ododo

'Yahaya Bello' - Kogi parliament told to begin impeachment process of Gov Ododo

NCDC intervenes as 8 die, Sokoto's mysterious illness remains unidentified

NCDC intervenes as 8 die, Sokoto's mysterious illness remains unidentified

He helps deprived Nigerians of all faiths - Obi's aide denies religious politics

He helps deprived Nigerians of all faiths - Obi's aide denies religious politics

Otu allocates ₦100m to improve school children's nutrition, learning, health

Otu allocates ₦100m to improve school children's nutrition, learning, health

JAMB warns UTME candidates against sharing details with fraudsters

JAMB warns UTME candidates against sharing details with fraudsters

Ex-attorney general Adoke cleared of money laundering charges

Ex-attorney general Adoke cleared of money laundering charges

Pulse Sports

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Lionel Messi's son breaks the internet after scoring five goals for Inter Miami

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Naija Stars Abroad: Onyedika, Boniface, and Osimhen shine across Europe

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

Victor Osimhen and Tobi Amusan make list of Forbes’ 30 under 30 Class of 2024

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT