Government to Withdraw Over 5,000 Bodyguards Attached to VIPs

The government is set to withdraw more than 5,000 police officers assigned to VIPs in the next one month in a move aimed at boosting security in the country.

The decision, which has attracted opposition from some Members of Parliament, means that VIPs will lose half the bodyguards attached to them. The withdrawn officers will be deployed to guard the general public.

“Government to reduce the levels of VIP protection by 50% by July this year so that the officers can be deployed to protect life and property of ordinary citizens, says Interior CS Dr. Matiang’i,” Ministry of Interior spokesperson Mwenda Njoka said in a tweet.

The ministry, headed by Fred Matiang'i, will at the same time review the law to define who is a VIP and who deserves to have officers deployed to them for extra security.

“Once we figure out who is a VIP and who is not, then the number will be higher which means more police for the general public,” added Njoka.

Siaya Senator James Orengo criticised the move, stating that CS Matiang’i and the ministry can't institute the changes alone and must consult those to be affected.

“Matiang’i must know that the chain of command in the police operations has changed. The days of making pronouncements in markets are gone… He must consult the Parliamentary Service Commission on the security needs of MPs,” said Orengo.

He added: “Matiang’i must know that such decisions don’t find favour with the Constitution. It’s the prerogative of the Police Service Commission to handle matters of security not his.”