FOLLOW UP TO ETHIOPIANS ARRESTED AT JOMO KENYATTA

S E C R E T NAIROBI 004928

SIPDIS

TERREP

FOR DS/IP/AF; DS/DSS/ITA, S/CT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2025
TAGS: ASEC PTER KE
SUBJECT: FOLLOW UP TO ETHIOPIANS ARRESTED AT JOMO KENYATTA
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JKIA)

REF: A. NAIROBI 4879

B. TD 314/72464-05

Classified By: RSO Jeffrey Culver, Reason 1.4 (c).


1. (S/NF) Explosive residue examination conducted by SIMO (using
post's itemisers) on the left insole of the pair of shoes discussed
in reftels, detected traces of the highly explosive substance,
Pentaerythrol Trinitrate (PETN). On 11/28, Embassy Legal Attach
and SIMO expert were given access to both of the shoes (now in
Kenyan Police custody) in order to conduct a detailed examination
of them. They were able to take numerous photographs of the shoes
which are being e-mailed to DS/ITA for further analysis. Legat
noted that on the outside, the shoes appear to be direct from the
factory. All wiring in the shoes is located under the insole.
However, during this examination of the shoes, both Legat and SIMO
suspect that wiring in the shoes may have been tampered with.
Further, the SIMO expert advised that a viable IED could be made
with the wiring in the shoes.


2. (S/NF) Israeli officials informed Legat yesterday that they
believe shoes with electric foot warmers are available for sale in
Addis Ababa. SIMO is attempting to confirm this information with
their office there.


3. (S/NF) The Addis-based Israelis advised they will purchase two
pairs of the shoes sold on the market; shipping one pair to Tel
Aviv for examination and one pair to Nairobi for Legat's further
analysis.

BELLAMY