Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security has significantly been restructured.
Local dailies reported on Friday, February 3, that some of the General Service Unit (GSU) officers attached to the former Head of State have been recalled for redeployment.
“From 96 elite officers attached to him, he has been left with 25, while the former First Lady has five,” the Daily Nation reported.
The changes are also said to have included the scaling down or withdrawal of security personnel attached to some members of the former first family.
The orders reportedly effected on Thursday, February 2, saw security personnel attached to Kenyatta’s other family members most of whom have enjoyed the privilege for decades.
For instance, it was widely reported that a senior police officer who was leading former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security team has been recalled and replaced with one of a lower rank.
An officer in the rank of assistant inspector general was recalled and replaced by a superintendent of police.
It also emerged that the rationalization had also affected former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho.
Although the three seriously campaigned for President William Ruto’s bitter rival in the 2022 presidential election, a government official who requested his identity withheld said “The exercise was not targeting only the three.”
According to the Presidential Benefits Act, a retired president will continue to enjoy VIP security with six security guards.
Further, the retired president’s urban and rural homes will be guarded by a maximum of six security guards.
However, all these must be approved by the Interiors Cabinet Secretary.
While the Act entitles the former Head of State to a maximum of xis guards, President William Ruto’s predecessor is said to have been assigned 119 officers, claims that the publication could not immediately establish.
