Deputy President William Ruto has now written to the police boss, claiming his life is in danger. This follows the replacement of his General Service Unit (GSU) guards with Administration Police (AP) officers.
In a detailed letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, Ruto claims that the new security detail, including the replacement of his personal drivers on Friday, August 27, might have been sent to his home with an ulterior motive.
Following the move, credible reports have it that Ruto spent the whole day at his Karen residence, without stepping out on Friday, August 27.
According to a report run by Citizen TV on Friday, August 27, a total of 77 GSU officers were withdrawn from his residence and replaced with 26 security of the Government Buildings Unit (GBU) of the administrative police service.
Initially, his security detail had 29 officers assigned to man his official residence in Nairobi's Karen, his private residence had 4 officers, Sugoi home had 28 officers, and his Elgon View home was assigned 10 officers.
But after the downgrade, his official residence was assigned 21 officers, all officers manning his private residence were withdrawn, his Sugoi home was assigned 3 officers as well as his Elgon view home.
According to the National Police Service standing orders, the presidency, of which Ruto is part, is meant to be guarded by the G company of GSU.
On August 26, Ruto released a statement regarding the changes made in his security detail, sparking debate on the seeming 'punishment' to the DP for what sources term 'hypocrisy'.
Through his Communications Secretary David Mugonyi, Ruto complained that the decision to withdraw the General Service Unit (GSU) officers attached to his residence was illegal and done without consultation.
He added that the replacement of elite presidential escort officers with Administration Police officers was contrary to Police Service Standing Orders.
"The Office of the 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," read part of the statement.
NPS responded to Ruto claiming that the changes are normal re-assignment of duties within the security forces in order to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Police spokesperson Bruno Shioso affirmed that the new security detail had been provided to the official residence of the DP.
Shioso, however, pointed out that Ruto would still be provided with close protection detail from the Presidential Escort Unit, which is currently not the case in the latest arrangement.
