Gachagua Claims Presidential Escort Unit Is Demoralised Amid Concerns Over Ruto’s Security
Rigathi Gachagua has criticised the government’s handling of President William Ruto’s security, alleging officers in the Presidential Escort Unit are demoralised and underpaid.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Photo/Courtesy
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concerns over the state of President William Ruto’s security, alleging that officers attached to the Presidential Escort Unit are demoralised and facing operational challenges.
Speaking during a press briefing on Sunday, Gachagua stressed that despite political differences, the safety of the Head of State remains crucial for national stability.
“His security and wellbeing is a very important ingredient of our political stability. He must be safe,” Gachagua said.
The former Deputy President maintained that leaders opposed to Ruto’s administration intend to challenge him politically through elections and not through violence or unlawful means.
“We want to remove him through the ballot, not any other method,” he stated, warning that any harm to the President could plunge the country into a major crisis.
Gachagua criticised Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of lacking the experience required to manage the country’s security docket.
He further alleged that senior security officers were struggling to effectively brief the CS and claimed that both Murkomen and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja should have resigned following the recent security breach involving the President in Kilifi County.
The former Deputy President also made claims regarding the Presidential Escort Unit, alleging the unit had become “ethnicised” and affected by low morale, delayed allowances and corruption-related complaints.
He called on the government to ensure officers attached to the President’s security detail receive their payments and urged the Head of State to allow security professionals to perform their duties independently.
At the same time, Gachagua dismissed an apology issued by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over earlier political remarks, claiming the statements reflected a coordinated political position discussed at State House in Mombasa.
He also accused President Ruto of promoting divisive politics and called on electoral agencies to safeguard the credibility of the 2027 General Election.
Gachagua challenged the President to publicly commit to respecting the outcome of the next election and avoid actions that could inflame political tensions.
About Author
