IG Koome Explains Reports Of Changes In Uhuru's Security Detail

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Friday, February 3 addressed concerns generated by reports regarding the withdrawal of security detail attached to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking to the media in Mombasa, the IG noted that the changes in security were part of a restructuring process at the National Police Service (NPS).

He further revealed that the officer in charge of the former President's security was recalled in line with the regulations of the NPS.

"Once the president has retired, the commander is a superintendent of police.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's motorcade. /FILE

"An officer who was of the rank of an assistant Inspector General was with the retired president. So how do you expect an assistant Inspector General to report to another assistant Inspector General," he insisted.

Koome further defended the move, terming it as in good faith even though its timing was questioned given the political nature of the country at the moment. 

However, he did not respond to questions regarding the exact number of police officers attached to the former Head of State, describing it as confidential.

Koome also confirmed that the number of security officers attached to former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta were left intact, contrary to reports that her security was withdrawn too.

"The former First Lady has security, not just the former first lady, even our late two former Presidents, we secure their premises. We respect those offices, we provide security," Koome stated. 

The IG also addressed concerns regarding the withdrawal of security detail attached to former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho, noting that the changes were part of a rationalisation of security personnel, terming it unfair if the former government officials were allowed to retain to retain the current number of security officers in retirement yet their successors needed to be protected during their duties.

The reported security changes rattled some members of the Azimio coalition who read politics in the matter when reports indicated that 96 of Uhuru's bodyguards were reduced to 25, while Margaret Kenyatta was left with five officers.

"The security of a former Head of State in America or in a banana republic like Kenya isn’t a political matter. It’s about the security of the state itself.

"Should harm befall a former Head of State, there would be consequences. My two cents," Raila Odinga's Presidential Campaign Secretariat Spokesperson, Makau Mutua stated.

"Police independence from political influence in decision making and in operations is what informed the police reforms in the 2010 constitution.

"It is, therefore, unfortunate to see successive holders of (the office of the) Inspector General of Police continue to bow to executive pressure despite their constitutional safe guards. The independence of the holder of office shapes the trajectory of the office constitutional safe guards notwithstanding," weighed in Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua.

Kibicho on the other hand addressed reports of his security detail being reduced to 18 officers, saying he has never even had that number of guards as widely reported.

“First, in my entire time in service, I never had 18 security officers. Not even half of that number. Secondly, when I handed over office on December 5, I surrendered all government assets, including security officers and vehicles. Sasa mimi ni raia mwema without any need for personalised security,” he told the Nation.

Concerns regarding Uhuru's security were raised by Uhuru's longtime ally Pauline Njoroge on Thursday, who also questioned the timing of the changes.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta speaking at the late Prof George Magoha's home. /FILE

According to the Presidential Benefits Act, a retired president will continue to enjoy VIP security with six security guards, however, this will be certified by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.

Also, the retired president’s urban and rural homes will be guarded by a maximum of six security guards this too to be approved by the Interior CS.