13 Bodyguards Attached to Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko Withdrawn

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has had 13 bodyguards attached to him withdrawn by the National Police Service.

Sonko has been left with two security officers protecting him and two others guarding his Nairobi and Machakos homes.

The withdrawal will take effect on July 1st and is part of a plan by government to recall more than 5,000 bodyguards attached to VIPs.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the number of  officers assigned to VIPs will be reduced by half in the next two months. The officers will be re-deployed to protect life and property of ordinary citizens.

“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 two weeks ago.

The government, will at the same time, review the law to define who is a VIP and who deserves to be assigned with bodyguards.

“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.

In a memo to county commanders, Police headquarters asked them to confirm the number officers attached to area Governors.

“As a matter of urgency, please confirm the number of officers within your divisional area who are currently attached as escort or bodyguard of governors. Please treat this as urgent,” said a memo sent to all commanders.

Governors are entitled to a maximum of four security officers, but a majority of them have been moving around with up to 20 bodyguards.

Police spokesman Charles Owino said the withdrawal is targeting all Governors and VIPs with excess security details. Owino spoke after Governor Sonko complained that his security officers had been recalled.