Former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s security has been scaled down in what government operatives have said is rationalization of personnel.
Sources report that a senior police officer who was leading Uhuru’s security team has been recalled and replaced with one of a lower rank.
According to reports, the retired president has been left with 25 officers from the 96 he had whereas the first lady had five. Moreover, security personnel attached to Uhuru’s other family members were all withdrawn.
Likewise, it has emerged that the rationalization has also affected the former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho.
Nonetheless, it is not clear if their entire security detail had been withdrawn.
While addressing the media at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa, Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome confirmed the scaling down of the officers guarding former President Uhuru Kenyatta and part of his cabinet.
Also Read: Govt’ to Phase Out NHIF and Roll Out National Social Health Insurance Fund
IG Koome stated that there was nothing political about scaling down the security detail, adding that it is a normal police moderation process.
The security detail is normally deployed as personal escort or stationed at the residences of the VIPs — in Nairobi or upcountry — or at any other installation the beneficiary has an interest in.
Furthermore, these changes come in the wake of an escalation of tension between President William Ruto’s administration and his predecessor, following tax scrutiny calls.
Nonetheless, in response to the sustained pressure from Dr Ruto’s allies, Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday fired back, telling the new administration to stop “too much talk” and focus on working for Kenyans.
