By Nyang’au Araka
The National Police Service has ordered immediate changes within the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) and launched a special investigation following security breach during President William Ruto’s public event in Ganze, Kilifi County on Sunday.
In a press statement, Inspector General Douglas Kanja confirmed that the incident occurred during a thanksgiving gathering attended by the President.
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“The National Police Service wishes to address a serious security breach that occurred today… where His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto… was addressing members of the public,” the statement said.
Although police did not disclose details of the breach, the Inspector General termed the incident unacceptable and elevated it to a national security concern.
“Any breach involving the security of the President is unacceptable and a matter of the gravest national concern,” Kanja stated.
The police chief announced the formation of a special investigations team to establish how the incident happened and whether there were lapses in protective arrangements.
“I have immediately constituted a special investigations team to conduct a swift, thorough, and uncompromising inquiry into how this breach occurred,” he said.
Kanja further revealed that immediate changes had been ordered within the security detail tasked with protecting the President.
“I have also ordered immediate changes to the security detail responsible for the President’s protection in order to strengthen protocols and seal any existing vulnerabilities,” he added.
Hours later, an internal communication signed by Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat detailed changes within the Kenya Police Service affecting officers attached to the Presidential Escort Unit and related formations.
Under the reshuffle, Noah Kirwa Maiyo was moved from Commandant of the PEU to Kenya Police Headquarters – Vigilance.
Juda Mathews Gwiyo, who served as Deputy Commandant of the PEU, was directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.
William Sawe was appointed Commandant of the PEU from his previous role as Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit.
George Kirera was moved from Staffing Officer Personnel PEU to Deputy Commandant PEU.
Josphat Sirma was promoted from Deputy Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit to Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit, while Rere Kipkoech was transferred from Deputy SOB1 to Kenya Police Headquarters – Vigilance.
The Inspector General emphasized that security around the Head of State would be tightened going forward.
“The security of the Head of State is a matter of national security and will be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Kanja said.
He added that all attendees at public events involving the President and other senior leaders must comply with established security procedures, warning that attempts to breach security would attract “the full force of the law.”
