Gov’t to withdraw 5,000 bodyguards attached to VIPs

The government will, in the next one month withdraw up to 10,000 police officers attached to VIPs in a move meant to bolster security in the country.

The move, which has started to attract opposition, means that VIPs will lose half the security personnel attached to them. The officers will then be deployed to general population.

“Government to reduce the levels of VIP protection by 50% by July this year so that the officers can be deployed to protect life and property of ordinary citizens, says Interior CS Dr. Matiang’i,” tweeted Ministry of Interior spokesman Mwenda Njoka.

At the same time, the government is also rethinking who is a VIP and who deserves to have bodyguards deployed to them for extra security.

“Once we figure out who is a VIP and who is not, then the number will be higher which means more police for the general public,” said Njoka.

But Siaya Senator James Orengo is opposed to the move saying Matiang’i cannot institute the changes alone.

“Matiang’i must know that the chain of command in the police operations has changed. The days of making pronouncements in markets are gone… He must consult the Parliamentary Service Commission on the security needs of MPs,” said Orengo.

“Matiang’i must know that such decisions don’t find favour with the Constitution. It’s the prerogative of the Police Service Commission to handle matters of security not his.”