A General Service Unit (GSU) officer assigned to South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has been arrested in Nairobi.
The incident occurred in Nairobi’s upscale Gigiri neighbourhood after the General Service Unit (GSU) officer, who was assigned to guard President Salva Kiir’s residence opened fire.
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According to preliminary reports, he opened fire on another police officer who confronted him.
Further, the officer who sustained an injury was allegedly stopping Salva Kiir’s GSU officer for smoking bhang.
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According to sources, the officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, was on duty when he was stopped by a routine police patrol. When he was confronted, things took a dangerous turn.
Also Read: Ruto Holds Key Meeting With South Sudan Opposition at State House
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Salva Kiir’s Gigiri Home Protected
For several minutes, Gigiri, a diplomatic zone home to embassies and high-profile residences, became the scene of an intense standoff. However, the GSU officer was disarmed and arrested shortly after.
The officer is in police custody as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, security has been tightened around President Kiir’s Nairobi residence to prevent any further incidents.
The National Police Service (NPS) had not yet issued a statement on the matter by the time of this publication.
Also Read: Kenya Clears Air on Missing South Sudan Activist After Being Implicated
South Sudan Tumaini Initiative and Latest Association with Kenya
President Salva Kiir has maintained a cordial relationship with Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.
Over the years, he has engaged in multiple high-level meetings in Kenya, reinforcing diplomatic ties between the two nations.
His engagements have focused on strengthening regional cooperation, peacebuilding efforts, and fostering economic collaboration between South Sudan and Kenya.
Earlier on February 20, President William Ruto at the request of President Salva Kiir hosted the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan in an attempt at mediation.
According to Ruto, the mediation process had been going on for eleven months to resolve a political stalemate and security challenges.
“Met the Opposition Hold-Out Group of South Sudan and agreed, at the request of the South Sudan Government delegation, that the mediation process that has been going on in Nairobi adjourns until March 2025 to facilitate consultations that will inform the way forward,” read the statement in part.
“At the request of President Salva Kiir Mayardit of South Sudan, Kenya has been facilitating the mediation process for the past 11 months in an effort to resolve the political stalemate that has resulted in a serious humanitarian situation and difficult security challenges,” stated Ruto.
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