Just who are Kenya most protected politicians and public officials? This is the question on the minds of many Kenyans days after changes were made to the security who guard Deputy President William Ruto’s home.
While announcing changes to DP William Ruto’s security details, the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai said that Ruto’s security still stands strong.
Even though the General Service Unit has been withdrawn from Ruto’s homes, the IG announced that the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) of GSU will continue to provide close protection to him.
Kivumbi.co.ke takes a look at who is Kenya most protected politicians and public officials.
It is understood there are other public figures and even private citizens who take on extra security but at their own expense.
It is said that a total of 13,000 of the entire 60,000 police force is dedicated to guarding VIPs and select public officials.
The list below is strictly for those politicians and public officials who are guarded at the taxpayer’s expense.
President
Together with his family, the head of State has about 200 police officers drawn from the General Service Unit.
All State lodges across the country are guarded by the G-Company unit of the GSU, making Uhuru Kenyatta rank high among Kenya’s most protected politicians and public officials.
The officers are headed by Presidential Escort Unit PEU commandant Josephat Karimi. Karimi is a former head of the GSU’s Recce company which is designed to provide security to the President, Deputy President, and some select top government officials.
PEU is a standalone unit and is capable of handling the movement of the president as well as his family members.
When the president is on the move, local police officers are also deployed to provide assistance but are not allowed to carry any weapon with them.
The president also enjoys the services of National Intelligence Service officers as part of his presidential security detail at all times.
Deputy President
Like all holders of this office, William Ruto has over 52 officers guarding him, his homes, and select family members.
Although recent changes to the security guarding his homes caused a stir amongst his supporters and allies, the deputy president always enjoys the services of a lead car and a chase car whenever he is on the move.
Police officers manning traffic are notified in advance to clear the way for his entourage.
Like the president, whenever his deputy is on the move, all local police commanders are notified to ensure his movement is always guarded.
The deputy president’s security is drawn from the Presidential Escort Unit, Administration Police, and prisons- who are mostly drivers.
National Assembly and Senate Speakers
Police officers who provide security to the two are drawn from General duty, Administration Police, and prisons.
Like the deputy president, they enjoy a chase car and a lead car with about 20 police officers taking charge.
Their families too enjoy police protection as their homes are guarded, mostly by police officers drawn from Administration Police.
Former and/or retired Presidents
All the homes of former and/or retired presidents like Mwai Kibaki are guarded by armed General Service Unit officers from the G-Company unit.
Such presidents also enjoy a lead and chase car with an extra car to carry their personal assistants.
It is said that apart from themselves, such people’s businesses, family and some friends enjoy police protection.
Chief Justices
As the head of the third arm of government, the Chief Justice is entitled to heavy security around them and guarding their homes.
They get to choose the kind of security they want around them but they enjoy the services of a lead car, driven by a police officer, mainly from the prison department.
The CJ’ security is drawn from across the different units in the National Police Service.
Other beneficiaries
Cabinet secretaries, Chief Administrative Secretaries, and Members of Parliament, including senators are also entitled to armed security drawn from different units.
Members of Parliament are entitled to a one armed police officer while cabinet secretaries are entitled to two armed police officers manning their homes and two while traveling.
All governors, deputy governors, and judges also are entitled to armed protection.
The list goes on and on but by and large the above makeup Kenya’s most guarded politicians and public officials.
A select number of ambassadors to Kenya also enjoy police protection mostly drawn from General Service Unit.
