Former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security detail has been downgraded, according to Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome.
On Friday, Koome told reporters at Mombasa’s Moi International Airport that the head of Uhuru’s security team had been recalled and replaced by a lower-ranking officer.
“I have recalled that officer to be given command responsibilities commensurate with his rank,” he said.
The Inspector General dismissed any claims that the decision was politically motivated.
“There is no politics in this. And the Inspector General will not accept to be dragged into politics,” stated Koome.
According to a source, the number of officers assigned to the former president has been reduced from 96 to 25, with security personnel assigned to other members of the family also being withdrawn.
Koome confirmed changes to former cabinet secretaries’ security but did not name any names.
Former Interior Minister Fred Matiang’i and former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho’s security details have also been reported to have been affected, though it is unclear whether the entire security detail has been withdrawn.
“Do you give a retired Cabinet Secretary the same security as the one in office who must be in the office by 6 am?” asked Koome.
According to the Presidential Benefits Act, retired presidents are entitled to six security guards and adequate security at their urban and rural residences, subject to approval by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.
The law was amended in 2013 to remove the upper limit, requiring that security personnel be deployed as certified by the minister responsible for national security in consultation with the retired president.
