The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli, has criticised the move by the government to withdraw the elite police unit from Deputy President William Ruto's security detail.
Speaking to the media at COTU offices in Nairobi, Atwoli said the State should have notified Ruto of the changes beforehand.
The outspoken trade unionist pointed out that it's unfortunate the matter has taken a political twist, adding that the government ought not to compromise the security of any Kenyan.
"When it comes to the security of any Kenyan, we can't compromise. And I equally don't support what the government did, and if they were to change that security, they would have done it with the knowledge of our DP. We don't want lame excuses being placed on the government because of the security when there are big issues facing this country."
"What they normally should do, is come and discuss with you (beforehand)," he stated.
Atwoli and Ruto have been at loggerheads, with the COTU boss, a proponent of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), accusing the Deputy President of absconding his duties and disrespecting the President.
Atwoli has also, on several occasions, accused the DP of antagonizing the relationship between the President and Kenyans.
The changes made to the DP's security detail have caused a raucous among Kenyans and political leaders.
A section of the leaders have criticised the move, while others feel nothing about it; they say Ruto should have seen it coming. Atwoli added that the move gives the DP unnecessary political mileage and sympathy.
The new National Police Service spokesman, Bruno Shioso, however, pointed out that the changes were normal re-assignment of duties within the security force in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
"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 General Service Unit (GSU)," Shioso stated.
"The Presidential Escort unit continues to provide close protection security to H.E the Deputy President."
