Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto has protested against the withdrawal of GSU officers from his Karen residence and replacement with officers from the Security of Government Buildings Unit, which is part of Administration Police.
In a statement by the communication secretary, David Mugonyi, on Thursday, the DP’s office complained about what it termed a “diabolical demonstration of bad faith.”
Mugonyi said the DP was not notified of the change of security and was only briefed by the officer in charge of GSU attached to his residence that he had received instructions to withdraw officers.
“The office of Deputy President has formally written to the Inspector General of Police, seeking an official explanation on this matter, and reasons for the breach of security,” part of the statement reads.
GSU officers guarding Deputy President William Ruto withdrawn and replaced by AP officers.
GSU officers form part of the presidential security team.
Mugonyi added that the change of the DP’s guards is the latest installment in a sustained and systematic effort to undermine the DP’s personal security in pursuit of political vendetta.
“This is 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, and laid siege for several hours.”
He also added that in September last year, armed security officers prevented the DP from holding a meeting in Kisii County.
The DP’s communication office said that Tuesday’s disruption of a funeral service in Kwale before the arrival of the DP was among the instances of humiliation that the DP has been facing.
Mugonyi also said that the DP is elected and “the worrying pattern of wanton violations” of the law towards him are meant to sabotage, and undermine the office.
“The Office of the Deputy President looks forward to an official explanation from the Inspector General of Police on the matter.
Meanwhile, police spokesman Bruno Shioso said the change was normal.
He said police through its various units are mandated to provide security to government buildings and critical infrastructure including security to VVIPs and their residences.
“Today August 26, 2021, the Security Government Building Unit has been deployed to provide general security to the official residence of the Deputy President and take over from the General Service Unit (GSU).”
“This is normal re-assignment of duties within the National Police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,” he said.
He added the Presidential Escort Unit will continue to provide close protection security to the DP.