US embassy cable - 05NAIROBI4928

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