Atwoli denounces withdrawal of GSU officers from DP’s residence
The Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli has denounced the withdrawal of General Service Unit (GSU) officers from Deputy President William Ruto’s Karen residence.
According to Atwoli, if the government was to change the security they would have formally notified the DP.
“What they should normally do is that they will come and discuss with you and tell you ‘we are trying to change these officers for this reason’…. You should not come home and find new faces in your home. You might even run away from that home,” he said.
Narok West Member of Parliament Gabriel Tongoyo and his Narok East counterpart Ken Aramat have also strongly condemned the withdraw of GSU officers from all Ruto’s residences.
The leaders say the government must provide detailed explanation on the change of guard and prove without a shadow of doubt that the move was not politically instigated.
GSU officers from Ruto’s Karen residence were withdrawn and were replaced with Security of Government Buildings (SGB) officers from Administration Police.
n a statement by the communication secretary, David Mugonyi, the DP’s office complained about what it termed a diabolical demonstration of bad faith.
“The decision has been made contrary to the Police Service Standing Orders Chapter 8 section 5(E) that the GSU Commandant shall be responsible for the security of the President, the Deputy President, State Houses and Lodges,” he said.
Mugonyi said the withdrawal is the latest installment in a sustained and systematic effort to undermine the Deputy President’s personal security in pursuit of political vendetta saying it exposes him to personal harm.
He said they had not received any explanation of the change of guard which he termed as unlawful, adding that it had been extended to all of Ruto’s residences.
However, the National Police Service said the change of guard within the service is to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Police Spokesman Bruno Shioso said that the Presidential Escort Unit continues to provide close protection security to Ruto.
“Today 26th August, 2021 the Security of Government Buildings Unit (SGB) has been deployed to provide general security to the official residence of H.E the Deputy President from General Service Unit (GSU). This is a normal re-assignment of duties within the National Police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness,” reads the statement.
