New details have emerged regarding the recent reshuffle of police officers guarding Deputy President William Ruto’s official residence in Nairobi, and other homes across the country.
According to sources privy to the reshuffle, the move was occasioned by alleged misuse of security personnel offered to the DP by the state.
Reports on Citizen TV indicate that during a closed-door session in Parliament, security officials told the National Assembly’s Committee on Administration and National Security, that the DP allegedly donated his bodyguards to some of his allies whose security was withdrawn due to ongoing cases against them.
Sources indicate that the DP reportedly donated four GSU bodyguards to two allies; one from the Coast facing a serious criminal charge and another from the Rift Valley who has been charged with hate speech-related offences.
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Top security chiefs appearing before a National Assembly Committee. [Photo: Courtesy]
Sources who spoke to NTV revealed that the move to reshuffle Ruto's security was meant to dismantle part of the DP's residence security detail that has allegedly been running suspect errands without approval from vigilance house.
According to the sources, some officers assigned to the DP were uncomfortable with the unofficial designations and complained to the commanders in the police service, leading to the reshuffle.
Earlier on, the Police Service has defended the reshuffle terming it a regular exercise.
“This is a normal re-assignment of duties within the National Police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The Presidential Escort Unit continues to provide close protection security to the Deputy President,” a statement issued by Police Spokesman Bruno Shioso read in part.
The DP has, however, downplayed the reshuffle noting that it is a non-issue.
He has on several occasions noted that there are important issues that should be discussed in the country other than who guards his homes.
Earlier this week, Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’I elicited a huge debate after revealing that DP Ruto is the most guarded Vice President in Kenya’s history with a total of 257officers allocared to guard him and his properties.
The DP and his allies have, however, dismissed the authenticity of Matiang’I’s remarks.
