Deputy President William Ruto on Monday, August 30, welcomed his new security detail and enjoyed a cup of tea with them at his official residence in Karen.
Ruto shared images of him having tea and light banter with the Administration Police (AP) officers, who replaced the elite General Service Unit (GSU) personnel, guarding his official residence.
He hosted the AP officers after the controversial withdrawal of the elite GSU personnel, which saw his office writer to the Inspector General of police, Hillary Mutyambai demanding an explanation.
“Sharing a cup of tea with the new security team, as I welcome them to the Official Residence of the Deputy President,” the DP posted.
In the photos, Ruto is seen engaging with the armed security detail in conversations as they enjoy a cup of tea and light moments.
The images were shared by his allies on various social media platforms, sparking mixed reactions from Kenyans.
During a Sunday service on August 29, at Holy Mass St. Augustine Catholic Church in Nakuru County, Ruto criticised the government for making changes to his security detail, stating that he was ready to be guarded by any security team, including the G4S.
"I don't have any problem with being guarded by the APs at my home. If there's more work for the GSU officers, let them protect the citizens," the DP stated.
In a statement to the press, the office of the DP confirmed that they had written to the Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai seeking an explanation over the changes in his security detail.
"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.
The newly appointed National Police Service spokesman, Bruno Shioso, responded, saying that the changes were part of a "normal reassignment of duties".
"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 the General Service Unit (GSU)," Shioso stated, leaving many questions unanswered.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei stated that he would petition Parliament to summon Inspector General, Hillary Mutyambai and Cabinet Secretary for Interior, Fred Matiang'i over the controversial changes.
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