This archive report was first published on 30 August 2021.
Kenya: Ruto's Security Detail Saga Heads to Senate, as DP Downplays Changes ¶
Published on August 30, 2021
Deputy President William Ruto's security detail saga is headed to Parliament, with his allies demanding the summoning of top civil servants to explain changes in his security detail.
Dr Ruto's allies, including Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, have expressed concerns over the withdrawal of elite General Service Unit (GSU) officers guarding his official and personal residences.
According to Senator Cherargei, the Constitution is clear on the manner in which the DP and his boss President Uhuru Kenyatta should be protected.
He cited the incident of July 2017 where a gunman laid siege at DP's Sugoi home, claiming that replacing Dr Ruto's security details with the Administration Police (AP) was exposing him to a lot of danger.
Senator Cherargei said, "In 2017, DP's Sugoi residence was attacked, no one has given us even a skeleton of any investigation that has been done so far. We suspect that there is a consistent effort to expose the DP to personal harm."
Dr Ruto's office has also expressed concerns over the sudden withdrawal of the elite GSU officers, with the DP's Director of Communication Emmanuel Talam saying the police boss has not responded to their letter.
Dr Ruto has downplayed the changes, saying he has no problem being guarded by Administration Police and "they can even bring in the G4S" (a private security company).
He reiterated that quitting government would be his last option even after President Kenyatta asked him to leave if he is unhappy with Jubilee administration.
However, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika criticised the move by the government to withdraw the security personnel and drivers, saying that the DP allies need to address the intent of the changes.
Ms Kihika demanded that the Director of Criminal Investigation (DCI) summon Cotu boss Francis Atwoli over his remarks that the DP will not be on the ballot box come 2022.
