A foreigner was arrested on Monday night, March 29, after a drone he was operating allegedly strayed into Deputy President William Ruto's Karen residence.
37-year-old British national Hind Jeremy's drone was spotted by the DP's wife, Rachel Ruto at around 3 pm. Mama Rachel reported the incident to the police who launched investigations. The UK citizen was reported to be Ruto's neighbour.
Police reportedly grilled the foreigner for allegedlyy trespassing into the official residence of the DP and taking pictures without authorization.
Nairobi Police Commander, Augustine Nthumbi, confirmed that the foreigner was apprehended and his drone seized. He, however, declined to disclose the details of the foreigner nor the incident.
He said that he will share the information through a media briefing on Tuesday, March 30. The police boss added that the press conference would allay fears and speculations that emerged on DP's security and whereabouts.
On February 11, Police Spokesman Charles Owino assured MPs that the DP was well guarded after reports surfaced that his security details had been withdrawn. Over 100 lawmakers wrote to Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai on Monday, February 8, voicing their concerns over the issue.
Owino clarified, saying that the DP has three levels of security assigned to him and his official residence; that is the G-company, the Presidential Escort Service, and the elite Recce company.
Questions have been raised about how the drone was allowed to stray into DPs residence with all the security detail intact.
Makueni Governor, Kivutha Kibwana and Kipchumba Murkomen (Elgeyo Marakwet Senator), in November 2018, raised similar concerns, claiming that they had seen drones spying on their homes.
“Electronic gadgets in the house are compromised. As it was during Moi and NCEC, so it is now. I have repeatedly made this public and reported it to authorities. I will not be intimidated,” he alleged.
The National Assembly on March 6, authorized the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) to operationalize the Civil Aviation (Regulatory Fees and Charges for Unmanned Aircraft Systems) Regulations, 2020, and charge individuals Ksh 3,000 as registration fee for operating drones.
MPs said that the registration will aid in enhancing security and privacy. The approval gave room for the full execution of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) regulatory framework in Kenya as the country moves to instill laws in the digital sector.
