At least five drivers attached to Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto have been withdrawn barely days after changes to the security manning his official residence in Karen, Nairobi.
According to Ruto’s spokesperson Emmanuel Talam, the trained police officers attached to his transport team have been recalled by the National Police Service.
“Those who have been withdrawn are five trained police officers who are in the driving team,” Talam said as quoted by People Daily Digital.
Talam however said that three of the recalled drivers have been asked to report back on duty next week as the fate of the remaining two hangs in balance.
“However, three of the recalled drivers have already been told to get back to work by Monday,” he added.
On Thursday, August 26, at 2 pm, the government through the National Police Service announced changes to William Ruto’s security that guard his homes.
This saw Administration Police Service officers from the Security of Government Building Unit take over guard at Ruto’s residences following the withdrawal of the elite General Service Unit from G-Company unit.
A similar move was witnessed in Ruto’s rural home in Sugoi, Uasin Gishu as APs Security of Government Buildings Unit took over the residence at Elgon View, Eldoret.
The change of Deputy President’s bodyguards sparked mixed reactions with some Ruto supporters saying the move was part of a government ploy to intimidate the former Agriculture minister whose relationship with President Uhuru has deteriorated.
But the National Police Service said in a statement on Twitter that the change to Ruto’s security detail was part of a “normal re-assignment of duties” within the police to “enhance efficiency and effectiveness.”
“Kenya’s Presidential Escort Unit continues to provide security to the deputy president,” it said.
Yesterday, the deputy president said his life is in danger following the downgrading of his security detail.
In a letter to Inspector of Police Hillary Mutyambai, Ruto said his new security detail might have been sent to his home with hidden motives.
“The decision has been made contrary to Police Service Standing Orders, Chapter 8 Section 5(e), that the GSU commandant shall be responsible for the security of the President, the Deputy President, Statehouses and lodges,” read part of Ruto’s letter to Inspector General of Police Service.
