Matiang’i, Kibicho a target in scaling down Uhuru’s security exercise
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Uhuru's security has significantly been scaled down in what government operatives say is a rationalization of personnel
Uhuru’s security has significantly been scaled down in what government operatives say is a rationalization of personnel.
According to a publication in Daily Nation, a senior police officer who was leading the security team has been recalled and replaced with one of a lower rank.
“From 96 elite officers attached to him, he has been left with 25, while the former First Lady has five,” a source told the media, adding security personnel attached to Mr. Kenyatta’s other family members were all withdrawn.
An officer in the rank of assistant inspector general was recalled because the retired president’s security team is legally supposed to be headed by a chief inspector.
However, a superintendent of police is currently in charge of the lean team.
Additionally, it was revealed that the rationalization had impacted both former interior secretaries Karanja Kibicho and former interior minister Fred Matiang’i.
The extent of their security detail’s withdrawal, meanwhile, was unclear as some sources claimed there were now only two of each of their 18 security members.
The security detail of a number of individuals, who enjoyed the benefit on account of their relationship with former Cabinet Secretaries, had also been withdrawn.
“The exercise was not targeting only the three,” a government official said.
However, there has been no official confirmation yet as to whether the security of the retired president and those of the former Interior chiefs had been scaled down.
Yesterday, Dr. Kibicho told Nation: “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 personalized security.”
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Meanwhile, sources said the changes were done by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Kenya Police Service Edward Mbugua.
The change in the retired president’s team was explained as necessary in keeping with the strict rank order of the disciplined force.
However, the latest developments come in the wake of an escalation of tension between President William Ruto’s administration and his predecessor, following tax scrutiny calls.
After days of sustained pressure from Ruto’s allies, Mr. Kenyatta on Tuesday fired back, telling the leadership of the new administration to stop “too much talk” and focus on working for Kenyans.
“There are two types of people. There are people who talk a lot about what they will do and do nothing and those are many. But there are people who will talk a little and their deeds are seen,” Mr. Kenyatta said at the home of his former Education minister George Magoha, where he had led his former Cabinet members to mourn their colleague.
According to the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act, a retired president is entitled to guards for personal and escort unit, as well as “adequate security” at rural and urban residences.
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