This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, the Presidential Escort Unit has taken measures to protect its personnel and their families. On July 6, 2020, Escort Commander George Kirera issued an internal memo banning officers from chewing miraa within the camps or workstations.
The order was issued in response to concerns about the health risks posed by miraa and muguka consumption. According to the memo, continued use of these substances would pose health risks not only to the officers but also to their families and state officials.
“Please be informed that it has been noted with a high level of concern by this office that chewing of miraa and Muguka is posing a lot of health risks to our personnel and their families,” the memo read.
Breaking the rules would result in dire consequences for the officers, warned Kirera. The Presidential Escort Unit provides security to the head of state, the first family, the deputy president, and other VIPs, including visiting heads of states and governments.
On June 12, 38 officers underwent COVID-19 training at the Presidential Escort Unit, Highridge Camp, Phase 1, within the Westlands area. The training was conducted by Dr. Asma Awadh, the Westlands Area Coordinator representing the Ministry of Health.
