REVEALED: Why Italian PM wore bulletproof vest to State House
The Italian government has confirmed that Prime Minister Matteo Renzi wore a bulletproof vest to State House, Nairobi due to security concerns.
However, an Italian government official told CNN that PM Renzi wore a bulletproof vest inside State House because of a ‘tight schedule’, not because of security.
“Apparently, he didn’t have time to take it off,” said the official, who did not wish to be named.
Kenyans were last week left wondering whether the PM took President Uhuru Kenyatta’s message that “security starts with you” seriously after he showed up at President Kenyatta’s residence wearing protective body armour.
Pictures and videos doing rounds on social media showed what looks like corner-shaped outfit underneath the PM’s slim fit Italiain suit.
PM Renzi was shaking hands with State House staff as President Kenyatta looks on.
The PM later showed up at the University of Nairobi for a public lecture where he is also seen with the same outfit.
President Kenyatta’s spokesman Manoah Esipisu told CNN: “We don’t have a formal comment on the matter.”
Kenya has from time to time suffered terrorist attacks staged by Somalia-based Al Shabaab militants.