This archive report was first published on 31 August 2021.
On August 31, 2021, two Kenyans filed a petition at the Milimani Law Courts, challenging the recent changes to Deputy President William Ruto's security detail.
The petitioners, Miruru Waweru and Angela Mwikali, argue that the changes, which saw the General Service Unit (GSU) replaced with Administration Police (AP), will hinder the service delivery in Ruto's office.
According to their petition, they want the court to issue an order compelling the return of GSU officers to Ruto's residences with immediate effect.
The petitioners fault the decision as being opaque and arbitrary, with no explanation or criteria guiding the process.
They further argue that the move was politically instigated to create fear ahead of the 2022 General Election.
Deputy President Ruto, however, maintains that he has no issue with the new security team assigned to him.
On August 31, 2021, Ruto stated that the security changes were a non-issue, adding that the AP is a professional security service and those who think it's a downgrade are wrong.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i was summoned to appear before the parliamentary committee on September 1, 2021, following the change in Ruto's security detail.
CS Matiang'i was expected to explain the changes, accompanied by Interior Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho, and Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai.
