Presidential Escort Officers In Hospital After Road Accident

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua paid a visit to Presidential Escort Unit officers in hospital after they were involved in a road accident at an undisclosed date.

Gachagua stated on Tuesday, September 20 that the officers had made significant progress on the road to recovery.

He added that doctors had assured them that they would be discharged in a few days.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua visiting a presidential escort unit officer admitted in hospital after a road accident. /RIGATHI GACHAGUA

"Took time to visit officers of the presidential Escort admitted in hospital after a road accident. Am happy they have made substantial progress and the doctors assured me of their discharge in the next few days. 

"We celebrate our police officers for their patriotism and commitment," he stated.

Gachagua however did not mention how many PEU cops were involved in the accident neither did he disclose the cause nor location. According to the photos shared, one of them sustained injuries on his arm and leg.

According to the Constitution of Kenya, Rigathi and President William Ruto are entitled to the services of the PEU by way of being the top leaders in the country.

45 presidential escort officers are assigned to the deputy president while 200 officers are attached to the President.

The PEU is known to mesmerise many because of the sophistication in which it carries out its operations. It is composed of the Joint Operational Command (JOC) that makes sure that the security services to the president and his deputy are provided.

The officers are derived from the elite Recce squad, an elite paramilitary unit of the General Service Unit (GSU). They undergo an intense training program before being assigned to their respective roles. 

Among those deployed include explosive experts, snipers, defensive drivers, firearm handlers, intelligence experts, combat leaders and communication and information technology experts. 

Kenya borrows its formation from the US presidential motorcade and security experts reveal that the number of cars deployed and structures depends on the President's itinerary and level of risk during his travels.

Before embarking on the road, the team has to strategize on which routes to take and analyze their choke points, shortcuts and details such as the sun’s position because direct rays can make it harder to spot threats.

As much as the travel arrangements are meant to keep the president safe, the presidential motorcade is almost a tradition.

As seen in most cases, the officers create an arrowhead formation to shield the president or his deputy when their motorcades are in transit. The formation, however, changes from time to time. 

The riders, who lead the front, are trained to offer protection and detect potential danger. Apart from clearing traffic, they also dictate the pace of the motorcade. 

President William Ruto's motorcade leaving Kasarani Stadium after the inauguration ceremony on September 13, 2022. /FILE