CS Fred Matiang'i Withdraws Governors' Bodyguards

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has announced a move to scale down the level of VIP’s protection by a half percent.

Governors and the deputies, cabinet ministers, MPs and Senators are set to lose half of the armed bodyguards seconded to them in a new move aimed at scaling down the level of VIP’s protection. 

Police headquarters on Wednesday instructed County Commanders to confirm the number of officers attached to the governors as escort and bodyguards.

Some governors are reported to have been driving with up to ten bodyguards contrary to the four guards attached to their residences- two daytime and two at night.

[caption caption="Presidential bodyguards"][/caption]

A memo sent to all commanders read: “As a matter of urgency, please confirm the number of officers within your divisional area who are currently attached as escort or bodyguard of governors. Please treat this as urgent.”

Matiangi maintained that officers will be deployed to protect life and property of ordinary citizens since there are 12,000 officers assigned to various VIPs as drivers, bodyguards and even messengers.

He is noted to have been angered after being informed of private ranches in parts of Laikipia are guarded by armed police officers. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua maintained that his security is yet to be downsized which is the same case as Kirinyaga governor Anne Waiguru.

The President and his deputy, who have at least 200 and 45 security guards respectively, holders of sensitive dockets also have a high number of the 12,000 officers who provide security to VIPs.

[caption caption="Former Nakuru governor Kinuthia Mbugua"][/caption]

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke,  the Interior Ministry maintained that the President and Deputy President will not be affected by the planned downsizing.

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