Government says DP’s security withdrawal is normal reassignment of duties

The government has said the change of guard in Deputy President William Ruto’s Karen residence is normal duty re-assignment.

This is after GSU officers from Ruto’s Karen residence were withdrawn and replaced them with Security of Government Buildings (SGB) officers from Administration Police.

In 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.