This archive report was first published on 3 September 2021.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has proposed sweeping changes to the security detail of senior government officials, including Deputy President William Ruto, in a bid to instill order into the perceived chaotic management of VIP protection services.
According to sources, the proposed changes were revealed during a closed-door session between CS Matiang'i and the National Assembly Committee on Security and National Administration on Wednesday.
Under the proposed amendments, the number of police officers deployed to guard the holder of the Office of the Deputy President would be capped at 30, down from the current 257 officers.
The security detail of other State VIPs would also be cut to size, with cabinet secretaries and Parliamentary leadership - Majority leaders and whips - capped at four police officers, while MPs and constitutional office holders would get one security officer each.
CS Matiang'i accused Deputy President Ruto of misusing the elite officers deployed to guard him, telling the committee that Mr Ruto has on several instances re-deployed some of the presidential guards at his disposal to protect some undeserving individuals and people considered to have 'criminal' records.
Among those fingered are MPs Aisha Jumwa and Oscar Sudi who wrongly enjoy the protection of presidential escort deployed to them by the DP.
Statistics submitted to the Committee show that his 11 predecessors were on average guarded by 24 police officers, and the Ministry believes the number provides the necessary reference point that the government can use in future planning.
CS Matiang'i told the Committee that the proposed law would be clear-cut that no police officer would be allowed to provide round-the-clock security to private premises of any public officer, except the President.
