Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has an affinity with nature, health and fitness and does not shy away from publicising his morning and evening strolls and workouts.
During his working trip to the United Arab Emirates, Gachagua explored the cosmopolitan and vibrant Dubai city and even worked out at Kite Beach on Friday night, July 28.
On paper, his workout looked rather easy, judging by his remarks. Gachagua stated that he took time off for a long, healthy walk on the streets.
But a closer look at the photos he posted offers a contrast, with a theme quickly taking shape. Gachagua's bodyguards operated discreetly to protect him from potential threats while remaining inconspicuous to the public.
From the guy in a yellow t-shirt and white turban to a heavily loaded aide in a tracksuit and an aide of foreign descent with a red t-shirt and a funny pack bag synonymous with touts and mama mbogas in Kenya.
These officers blended into the surrounding environment to minimize attention while maintaining a vigilant watch over the DP.
Tactically sandwiched between the security officers from the Presidential Guard Unit, Gachagua covered a few metres along the Dubai beach before stopping at a guarded area where he exercised.
"Ahead of my travel back home to a busy schedule of rebuilding our Nation, this evening, I took time off for a long healthy walk on the streets and a workout at Kite Beach in Dubai.
"The beautiful city, which is an oasis in a vast desert, is an affirmation of how resolute leadership can be transformative for the benefit of the Nation and its People. We remain focused and determined to transform Kenya," Gachagua stated.
The Dubai and Northern Emirates Consul General, Ambassador Peter Mwendwa, accompanied the second in command. His security detail, comprised of elite forces, implemented what Security Analyst Stephen Otieno described as a 360-degree view to ensure he was safe and cover every blind spot.
"Security detail for a Deputy President during a fitness exercise will vary depending on the specific circumstances, but there are some general principles that are typically followed.
"One of the first exercises they conduct is risk assessment and threat valuation. This is done through prior security review based on a surveillance report and actionable intelligence," Otieno explained.
The security expert, who previously worked with President Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, among other senior politicians, explained that Gachagua's security must have coordinated with the officers in Dubai to identify potential risks and necessary precautions to be taken.
According to Otieno, the foreigner among Gachagua's security detail may have acted as the liaison. Further, he explained that the sole responsibility of protecting a foreign leader is bestowed on his security detail, but the hosting country also contributes to surveillance and emergency response.
"It is true that foreign security agents are always fused within the visiting leader's detail. This is because local security is more familiar with threats and how to avoid potential risks.
"However, in countries such as Israel and the US, their local security will take the leading role in protecting a visiting leader. That is a standard practice in those countries," Otieno stated.
Other than the security details that were visible in multiple photos, other aids may have concealed themselves as photographers or the public. Some carried concealed defensive equipment.
The Security Analyst explained that anyone close to the Deputy President had a role to play towards his protection, including a gentleman in a turban, who seemed not to be bothered by the surrounding.
"The security detail will communicate with each other and other security forces in the area. This will ensure they are aware of potential threats and can respond quickly and effectively.
"They will be monitoring the environment for any signs of danger. This includes checking for suspicious people or objects and being aware of any changes in the environment," Otieno explained.
In addition to these general principles, the security detail may also take other specific measures to protect the Deputy President during a routine exercise, and these include screening all gym members and employees before he arrives.
"Lastly, the security detail may also use surveillance cameras to monitor the gym. Standby operatives will review the signal from the surveillance in a vehicle who will then communicate to those in the gym," Otieno added.
