The Kenya Police Service has announced major changes within the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) hours after a security breach involving William Ruto during a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat announced the changes. In the shakeup, Willian Sawe is the new Head of the Presidential Escort Unit.

New Appointments

Sawe has been serving as the C.O. of the Recce Sub Unit to the Commandant.

The outgoing PEU, Noah Maiyo, has been deployed to Vigilance House.  

Juda Mathews Gwiyo, from the Deputy Commandant, PEU, has been sent on compulsory leave pending retirement. 

At the same time, George Kirera from the Staffing Officer Personnel PEU is the new Deputy Commandant PEU.

Furthermore, Mr. Josphat Sirma moved from Deputy Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit to Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit, and Mr. Rere Kipkoech was reassigned from Deputy SOB1 to Kenya Police Headquarters – Vigilance.

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Earlier, Inspector-General Douglas Kanja Kirocho confirmed that a “serious security breach” occurred while President Ruto was addressing the public at a thanksgiving event in Kilifi County.

Presidential Escort Unit Reforms

These reshuffles come in direct response to the security incident confirmed by Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho, MGH, CBS, OGW, in a press statement issued from the National Police Service Headquarters.

IG Kanja described the breach as unacceptable and a matter of the gravest national concern. Although security agencies responded swiftly and decisively to contain the situation and restore order, he immediately established a special investigations team to conduct a thorough, comprehensive, and uncompromising inquiry into how the breach occurred.

The Inspector General also ordered immediate changes to the security detail responsible for the President’s protection in order to strengthen protocols and seal any existing vulnerabilities.

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He emphasized that the security of the Head of State is a matter of national security and will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

IG Kanja warned 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, and that any attempt to breach security will be met with the full force of the law.

The National Police Service reiterated its resolute commitment to its constitutional duty to serve and protect the people of Kenya.

It assured that every necessary measure will be taken 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 as a whole.