IG Douglas Kanja Orders Probe into President Ruto Security Breach During Kilifi Event
The National Police Service has launched investigations into a security breach involving President William Ruto during a public event in Kilifi County, as Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered immediate changes within the Presidential Escort Unit to strengthen the Head of State’s security.
A man with President William Ruto on stage after dodging the his security. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
IG Douglas Kanja has ordered a probe, after a security breach involving President William Ruto showed up during an event in Kilifi, Ganze to be exact, yes.
The National Police Service said they’ve already started investigations into what happened during a public appearance where the President was addressing congregants, it was a thanksgiving moment, held to honour Youth Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.
It happened on Sunday, when a man reportedly sidestepped security officers then ended up getting on stage while the President was still speaking, and people were there, you know, as expected.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja called it a serious security issue, even though the officers reacted fast to manage the situation and contain it.
“I have immediately constituted a special investigations team to conduct a swift thorough and uncompromising inquiry into how this breach occurred,” Kanja said in a statement.
He also stressed that the safety of the President is not just personal, it’s national security, and he warned that any person or group aiming to target the Head of State will be dealt with decisively, without delays.
“We wish to make it clear that all persons attending public events particularly those involving the President and other national leaders must strictly adhere to established security procedures and protocols at all times,” he stated.
Kanja went on to promise that the police will tighten things up, so the same kind of failure does not happen again.
“We will take every necessary measure to ensure such an incident is never repeated and that the highest standards of security are maintained for the President, national leadership and the nation,” he added.
After the breach, immediate internal changes were made within the President’s security team, part of the efforts to tighten protection arrangements and to review possible weak points.
Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat announced a list of reassignments affecting officers serving in the Police Elite Unit and the Recce Squad.
Mr. Noah Kirwa Maiyo was moved from his post as Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) to the Vigilance Department at Kenya Police Headquarters. He was replaced by Mr. William Sawe, who previously was Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit.
At the same time, Mr. Juda Mathews Gwiyo, who had been Deputy Commandant of the PEU, was directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.
Mr. George Kirera was appointed the new Deputy Commandant of the PEU, after being shifted from his earlier role as Staffing Officer Personnel within the unit.
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