Matiang'i: Ruto is the Most Protected Deputy President in Kenya's History, with 257 Police Officers
Interior CS Fred Matiang’i says over 250 police officers are assigned to William Ruto, making him the most protected deputy president in Kenya’s history.
Matiang’i, who appeared before the National Assembly Security Committee on Wednesday, dispelled claims that Ruto’s security was withdrawn or downgraded, saying it was only restructured.
He told the committee that Ruto has a three-layered security team comprising a total of 257 police officers deployed to guard him, his residences, and properties. The officers are drawn from the Presidential Escort Unit, the General Service Unit (GSU), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Administration Police, among others.
The first layer consists of 85 officers among them 74 officers from the elite Presidential Escort Unit, five GSU officers, and six DCI officers. The group is mandated to offer 24-hour security to the deputy president.
The second layer is made up of 121 officers from the Administration Police and Prison Department and they provide a 24-hour mobile patrol within Ruto’s official and private residences.
The final layer comprises 51 other officers deployed to secure various properties and businesses owned by the deputy president.
Matiang’i said Ruto is the most protected deputy president compared to previous holders of the office.
For instance, Kenya’s first vice president Jaramogi Oginga Odinga had 30 officers, Joseph Murumbi had 22 officers, while Daniel Moi had 34.
Others include Mwai Kibaki (26), Joseph Karanja (22), George Saitoti (30), Musalia Mudavadi (22), Kijana Wamalwa (22), Moody Awori (22), and Kalonzo Musyoka (26).
“Contrary to the allegations made and in view of the tabled evidence, H.E. the Deputy President is the most guarded in the history of the country in comparison with previous equivalent office holders,” said Matiang’i.
The committee had summoned Matiang’i to shed light on the recent changes to Ruto’s security detail that saw GSU officers manning his residence replaced by AP officers.