This archive report was first published on 26 August 2021.
Deputy President William Ruto has been left exposed to potential harm after security was withdrawn from his official residence in Karen.
According to his Communication Secretary, David Mugonyi, the withdrawal of security was made without explanation, and extends to all of Ruto's residences.
On Thursday, the security officer in charge of the General Service Unit (GSU) attached to Ruto's residence informed him that he had received verbal orders to withdraw GSU officers effective 2pm.
However, Mugonyi argues that this decision was made contrary to the Police Service Standing Orders, which state that the GSU Commandant shall be responsible for the security of the President, the Deputy President, State Houses and Lodges.
This is not the first time that Ruto's security has been compromised. In January 2020, government officials acting with authority looked out the Deputy President out of his official residence in Mombasa, which remains locked to date.
Furthermore, Mugonyi highlights several instances where security agencies have been used to frustrate the Deputy President, including the recent disruption of Mahoo MCA funeral where he was in attendance.
Responding to the withdrawal of security, the National Police Service claimed that it was a normal reassignment of duties within the service.
However, elected leaders in the Country have condemned the withdrawal of Ruto's security, with Nairobi Senator Johnson Sakaja saying that providing the Deputy President with security is not a favour and that police officers and their bosses must stop playing politics with it.
