In Search of Africa by Frank Coates

Author:Frank Coates
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HarperCollins
Published: 2013-02-15T00:00:00+00:00

Maina cursed himself for agreeing to Gabriel Opiyo’s request that they hold their meeting in the GSU headquarters; it was home turf and all the paraphernalia of Opiyo’s power would be on display. But Opiyo played the clock, knowing the Assistant Minister was under pressure to resolve the hostage situation, and Maina agreed to meet in Opiyo’s office because he was in a hurry to get to Marsabit.

Maina resolved to keep the meeting brief and to the point, affording Opiyo no opportunity to play his power games. Immediately he entered Opiyo’s office, which was resplendent with insignia, flags and sundry mounted weaponry, he curtly shook the colonel’s hand and immediately launched into his plan.

‘Colonel Opiyo,’ he began, taking the chair on the other side of Opiyo’s vast desk, ‘in the interests of time, let me come straight to the point. We are dealing with a difficult situation, as you know. The presence of foreign nationals complicates the operation, so, as the Assistant Minister, I am forced to impose some constraints upon your GSU operations in this case.’

Opiyo’s smile was icy. ‘Of course, Assistant Minister. The GSU is at your service. As always.’

‘Excellent. Then here is what we must do. I understand you already have a strong squad on its way to the north. You are to order them to find and surround the shifta, and contain them until I arrive. I have certain options available to me to stop this matter escalating out of control.’ It was a lie, but he thought it unlikely that Opiyo would be aware of the President’s orders about not dealing with the Somalis. What he hoped he could do on arrival was to offer the rebels their own freedom in exchange for their hostages. ‘I am flying to Marsabit in an hour.’

‘I assure you, Assistant Minister, my commander is capable of handling the situation. Under my orders, of course.’

‘I’m sure he can, Colonel, but I am instructing you to tell him to find, surround and contain the shifta. There is to be no exchange of fire unless it is absolutely necessary.’

‘As you wish, Mr Githinji.’

‘There is a helicopter on standby for me in Marsabit. You will call me at the administration post when your GSU people are in place. Understood?’

‘Perfectly, Mr Assistant Minister.’ Opiyo’s smile revealed nothing.

Maina didn’t trust him, but his hands were tied.

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