By Bonface Mulyungi

Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) Nelson Koech has called for security agents guarding the President to be more vigilant, welcoming the recent changes made to the presidential escort unit.

Speaking during a media interview with one of TV station on Monday, the MP reiterated that the President’s security is a national concern and must be taken seriously.

According to the MP, the recent breach witnessed in Kilifi County on Sunday signalled the need for new leadership of the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), opining that the old team might have dropped its guard.

“The security of President William Ruto is not just his security, it is the security of the nation as well and must be taken with a lot more attention,” he said.

“There has been a lot of misalignment from the team and it needed a more agile team. It probably needs young people because there are new threats, people are becoming bolder.”

Further, he stated that more needs to be done, including enhanced training of the unit, more allowances for the officers, and more benefits to allow them to work effectively.

The MP also urged Kenyans to be more cautious and to follow protocol, arguing that stunts on the President could pose higher security threats.

On Sunday, a man joined President Ruto on stage before being whisked away by his security detail.

In response, the National Police Service (NPS) announced a series of changes affecting senior officers within the Kenya Police Service.

Mr. Noah Kirwa Maiyo was transferred from his position as Commandant of the PEU to the Kenya Police Headquarters under the Vigilance Department.

The head of the PEU position was taken over by Mr. William Sawe, who was moved from his role as Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also condemned the breach, ordering a probe into the circumstances that led to the breach.