This archive report was first published on 28 August 2021.
On August 24, 2021, a call from the General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters to the security chief in Karen revealed that changes were to be made to Deputy President William Ruto's security detail.
According to the Standard, a top officer received a call from a senior official within the DP's security circle, seeking clarification on a new directive issued to all police chiefs in Nairobi to stop politicians' gatherings.
However, Ruto's security officials failed to adhere to the order, leading to a series of high-level calls to the GSU headquarters, which ultimately resulted in the current changes.
On Tuesday, August 24, a call from GSU headquarters to the security chief in Karen was made, and revealed that changes were to be made on the DP's security.
Dr. Ruto's Chief of Staff, Ken Osinde, wrote to Inspector General of Police Hilary Mutyambai, demanding an official explanation and reinstatement of the GSU officers.
Further, it was reported that a senior police boss in Nairobi instructed officers to arrest anybody found contravening Covid-19 mitigation measures, including top politicians or government officials.
DP Ruto stated that the new security detail, including the replacement of his personal drivers on Friday, August 27, might have been sent to his home with an ulterior motive.
A report by Citizen TV indicated that a total of 77 GSU officers were withdrawn from the DP's residence and replaced with 26 security officers from the Administration Police (AP) service.
Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso maintained that Ruto would still be provided with close protection detail from the Presidential Escort Unit, which is currently not the case in the latest arrangement.
