Presidential motorcade drivers are among the most exceptional and highly qualified aides, operating under strict rules to guarantee the safety of the head of state and other VIPs.
These rules are categorised into three sections: physical, skillset and operational guidelines, according to two security experts, a member of the Presidential Escort Unit who spoke on condition of anonymity and George Msamali, a former police officer.
The PEU officer was part of the elite personnel who protected former President Uhuru Kenyatta at one time in his tenure.
"We operate under a system with precise tasks aimed at sfaguarding the Head of State and his family. The drivers play a key role in the execution of the system," the highly trained police officer told Kenyans.co.ke.
Physical Rules:
Former police officer George Musamali elaborated that drivers must maintain excellent physical condition and possess a clean driving record.
A top-tier Presidential driver should have a minimum of 10 years of driving experience, with at least 5 years spent driving in high-risk environments.
Moreover, these drivers undergo extensive training in gun safety and firearm management, close combat, defensive, evasive and close protection driving. Remaining composed and professional under pressure is a crucial element.
As part of the obligation, Presidential drivers must commit to being on-call 24/7, besides being able to maintain healthy habits.
The Presidential Escort Unit officer who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke concurred, adding, "These are highly experienced drivers with a strong sense of discretion. They must be able to keep the President's schedule and movements confidential.
"Of course, there is no doubt that they also have the willingness to work long hours and travel frequently. The presidential driver must be available 24/7 a week and be prepared to travel anywhere in the world at a moment's notice, save for their off days and leaves.
Basic Driving Maneuvers
If driving, an automatic car can use one foot for the brakes and the other to accelerate, as opposed to using one foot for both.
They also drive at around 100km/h, as a higher speed can lead to a crash.
Drivers also take a 90-degree turn at a corner, targeting as far outside as possible, apply threshold braking, and then release the brakes into the first third of their turn before speeding up as they exit the turn.
Other skills in defence driving include surveillance detection, driving in reverse, taking out a rival car, crushing through a roadblock and losing a chaser.
Skill Set of Presidential Driver:
In Kenya, Presidents are not allowed to drive themselves. Though the rule is not law, it's highly enforced by the Presidential Escort Unit, and all parties seem to adhere.
However, former President Uhuru Kenyatta often loved to drive himself around the city but under tight security. However, in most cases, he either drove to a private event or a lighter public event such as marathons or impromptu inspection of projects.
According to Msamali, Presidential drivers must have excellent driving skills, including being able to drive safely and efficiently in various conditions and making quick decisions in emergencies. Thus, presidents cannot often drive by themselves.
"Presidential motorcade cannot be driven slower than 80 kilometres per hour, and there is a good reason for that. The high speed is meant to minimise the risks such as emergencies such as roadside explosives," the security expert confirmed.
Presidential drivers must stay calm and focused even in the most stressful situations. Besides, they should be able to communicate effectively with the President, the Squad commandant who disseminates orders to unit members.
In Ruto's instance, the orders are given by Assistant Inspector General of Police Oloonkishu Yiampoy, who was named the new Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) Commandant in October 2022.
The PEU officer who was part of Uhuru's security aides added that the job of a presidential driver is a challenging but rewarding one. Special allowances are given to members of the Presidential Protection Unit, including escorts.
Training for Presidential fleet drivers encompasses map reading, navigation in unfamiliar territories, effective communication and upholding confidentiality, especially for classified matters.
Presidential Fleet Driver Operational Rules:
i) Carrying Personal Items
Presidential fleet drivers are discouraged from carrying personal items like mobile phones, primarily to eliminate distraction.
The driver must focus on the road and the safety of the President at all times. Personal electronic devices may pose risks as potential weapons or means to transmit sensitive information.
Preventing tracking is another reason guiding the restriction, as mobile phones could compromise driver security.
"A mobile phone could be exploited to detonate an explosive or hack the vehicle's system. Our unit prioritizes the President's security with a series of regulations, and the prohibition of personal items is a vital aspect," the special units officer stated.
ii) Presidential Car Management
The safety of the President starts with servicing the vehicle and cross-checking its systems before embarking on any journey.
The doors are locked, and windows closed at all times, save when the President wants to wave to a congregation at a roadside rally or when passing through a town.
An unauthorised approach is strictly prohibited, aligning with the driver's constant awareness and readiness for evasive action.
"It is an offence for any member of the Presidential Escort Unit, even the drivers, to discuss their duties or president's itinerary with anyone outside of the squad," the elite officer who once guarded Uhuru stated.
Drivers must also adhere to a dress code, i.e. wearing a suit and tie with distinct colours for identification. They must also refrain from eating or drinking while driving. Ruto is known to be a stickler for fitness and non-alcoholic beverages, and drivers must adhere to the same guidelines in his company.
"Presidential fleet drivers are held to a very high standard, and they must be prepared to make sacrifices in order to protect the President. However, they also have the opportunity to play a vital role in protecting the nation's top leader," the officer observed.
Reports allege that the head of state often leads prayers before embarking on any journey within or across the borders.
