Cases of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security being breached have been on the rise with some igniting national debate on the risks the Head of State was exposed to despite being the most guarded person in the country.
Here are some of the instances where the President’s security was breached.
Lamu Port
On May 20, Uhuru's security was breached while commissioning the first berth at Lamu Port. The man appeared from the crowd and seemingly confronted the Head of State.
Uhuru, after noticing the commotion in the room, move backwards while trying to figure out what was happening. However, his security detail reacted faster and neutralised the situation.
It later emerged that the man, who was arrested, was protesting over the lack of job opportunities at the port.
Lucky Summer
In the same month, Uhuru also encountered another security breach. While his motorcade was driving around the busy Lucky Summer area in Nairobi County a man charged towards the President's official vehicle.
The unidentified youth stood in the middle of the road forcing the President’s motorcade to stop mid-way.
His outriders rushed to the scene and whisked him away amid cheers from the crowd. Police officers resolved not to take legal action against the man who was excited to see the President.
Uhuru had toured the area to preside over the official opening of the ultra-modern Neema abattoir,
Civilian Joins Uhuru Motorcade
In April 2021, it was reported that a civilian motor vehicle joined Uhuru's motorcade while he was heading to State House after attending the late Kiambaa MP, Paul Koinange's, funeral.
The vehicle drove together with the rest of his motorcade up to State House before the President's security detail noticed and took action.
In 2015, a man nearly hurled a stone at Uhuru when he toured Migori County. The area resident involved later passed on in mysterious circumstances after being involved in a brawl.
The incident attracted a lot of condemnation from the community compelling Governor Okoth Obado to lead a delegation to State House to apologise to the President.
Uhuru is guarded by the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU). The unit was specifically established to protect the President, his deputy, visiting Heads of States, and other VIPs. PEU officers receive orders from the Inspector General of Police.
The unit has over 200 law enforcement officers drawn from the Recce and General Service Unit (GSU). Their training is top-notch and thorough.
The President's motorcade consists of a fleet of high end vehicles. Their formation is determined by the mission and event at hand.
Uhuru also has a personal bodyguard, an aide-de-camp (ADC). The officer who is drawn from the armed forces also acts as his personal assistant.
His roles include escorting the President to all functions. He or she works hand-in-hand with the Presidential Escort Unit Commander, a Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police.
