Gov't Begins Mass Withdrawal of Bodyguards Assigned to Kenyan VIPs

The government is set to withdraw half of the security detail assigned to all the 47 Governors in a new move aimed at reducing the level of VIP’s protection in the country.

Already, some governors have had a number of their bodyguards recalled. County Commanders have received instructions from police headquarters to confirm the number of bodyguards attached to the 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.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the number of police officers attached to VIPs will be reduced by half in the next two months. The CS said the cops will be 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.

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.

Already, officers assigned to parastatal heads have been recalled, with the government asking them to arrange for private protection.

Members of Parliament, Deputy Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and officers of the judiciary are other State officials set to be affected by the withdrawal.