Gov't Sued for Downgrading Deputy President William Ruto’s Security

Two Kenyans have sued the government for withdrawing General Service Unit (GSU) officers guarding Deputy President William Ruto’s residence.

In a case filed at the Milimani law courts, Miruri Waweru and Angela Mwikali argue that the move by the Inspector General of Police has compromised and threatened the security of the deputy president.

The two petitioners further termed the action as unreasonable, saying that it violates provisions of the Constitution, National Police Service Standing Orders, and the Fair Administrative Action.

“The Petitioners fault the decision arrived at by the respondent as it was done in an opaque and arbitrary manner and there is no explanation or what criteria guided the process,” reads the petition.

They aver that the move was politically motivated, adding that there is no reasonably justifiable reason for downgrading the security of the deputy president in a country governed by the constitution and where the rule of law takes precedence.

“The Petitioners are apprehensive that the illegal actions of the respondents are politically instigated and are meant to create a state of fear in the build-up to the general elections scheduled for August 2022,” they add.

Through lawyer Elius Mutuma, Waweru and Mwikali argue that the Administration Police that replaced the GSU team at Ruto’s residence are not ordinarily trained on VVIP protection.

They have asked the court to order that the withdrawn GSU officers return to their station at the official residence of the deputy president.

Inspector-General of Police, Commander of the General Service Unit, and the Attorney-General have been listed as respondents.