DP Ruto expresses frustration over security withdrawal, as police spokesperson says it is a ‘normal re-assignment’ of Duties

NAIROBI,Kenya, Aug 26 – Deputy President William Ruto’s official Karen residence was abuzz with activity after armed police officers under instructions from the National Police Service top command structure instituted what it described as a ‘normal re-assignment of duties’ regarding officers guarding the country’s second in command’s home.

The distinctive General Service Unit (GSU) detail assigned to Ruto’s Karen residence was swiftly re-assigned with a new security detail from the Administration Police.

The move prompted the deputy president’s office through its secretary of communication David Mugonyi to write a letter addressed to the Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai demanding an official explanation regarding the matter.

“This morning the deputy president was briefed by the security officer in charge of General Service Unit attached to his official residence in Karen that he had received verbal instructions to withdraw all GSU officers effective 2.00pm The withdrawal extends to all of his excellency’s residence. At this stage, no explanation has been offered for the strong and unlawful decision,” read the statement.

Mugonyi further stated that the move was contrary to police service orders, chapter 8 section 5 (e) insisting that the GSU commandant is responsible for the security of the president,the deputy president, state houses and lodges.

“This is the latest installment in a sustained and systematic effort to undermine the deputy president’s personal security in pursuit of political vendetta, and is consistent with a strategy to expose the deputy president to personal harm, ” he said.

Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso has however denied any foul play saying it is a normal re-assignment of duties within the National police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

“Today August 26, the security of Government Buildings Unit (SGB) has been deployed to provide general security to the official residence of H.E the deputy president from the General Service Unit (GSU). The presidential Escort Unit continues to provide close protection security to H.E the deputy president,” said Shioso.

The National Police Service through its various units is mandated to provide security to government buildings and critical infrastructure including security to VVIPs and their residences.

“The diabolical demonstration of bad faith runs back to 2017 when, at the height of campaigns, a gunman forced his way to the deputy president’s rural home in Sugoi, injured a GSU officer an laid siege for several hours,”

The office of the deputy president has further expressed concern of ‘a worrying pattern of wanton violations of the law’ saying that as an elected leader there are calculated attempts to sabotage and undermine his office.