Kalonzo Responds To Scaling Down Of Uhuru's Security

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has poured cold water on the withdrawal of the security detail attached to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking at the Kamukunji Grounds in Kibra on Sunday, February 5, Kalonzo poked holes in the changes in security that were earlier revealed to be a part of a restructuring process at the National Police Service (NPS).

He further dismissed reports of Uhuru having over 100 security officers attached to him before the exercise took place on Thursday, February 2.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta's motorcade. /FILE

"They want to torment Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, and to withdraw even the security of the former president...they said that it was a 'scaling down'.

"They are saying that Uhuru has 100 security officers, first of all, that is a lie. We are watching," he stated.

Kalonzo further revisited his ordeal when he was let go from his government job alongside Raila, afterwhich he sought the aid of locals from his community to protect him.

"But people like myself are used to it. There is a time Raila and I were fired. I went to look for the people of Kambaland with spears...I didn't need security officers," he added.

He advised Uhuru to stick with staffers he knows best in case of scaling down security so that he enjoys his retirement in peace.

"When they withdraw their security officers they should do so...I'm advising Uhuru that when they withdraw, you should stick with your people. You cannot be brought for a driver you don't know, what kind of a person he is, you are attached to him to drive you and tell you they are scaling down.

"How many are saying that Uhuru should not be touched, that he should be left alone to retire well?" he posed to an excited crowd.

Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome on Friday, February 3 addressed concerns regarding the withdrawal of Uhuru's security, revealing 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.

"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.

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.

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

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.

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