Govt withdraws GSU officers guarding DP Rutos residence

Deputy President William Ruto’s security has been withdrawn.

The General Service Unit guard protecting the DP’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi and his rural Sugoi home was removed on Thursday in unclear circumstances and replaced by the Administration Police.

Security chiefs have remained mum about the change of guard.

The deputy president’s communications secretary David Mugonyi said they have not received any explanation of the change of guard which he says has been extended to all of Ruto’s residences.

“This morning, the Deputy President was briefed by the security officer in charge of General Service Unit attached to his official residence in Karen that he had received verbal instructions to withdraw all GSU officers effective 2.00pm,” said Mugonyi in a statement.

“The withdrawal extends to all of His Excellency’s residences. At this stage, no explanation has been offered for the strange and unlawful decision. The decision has been made contrary to Police Service Standing Orders, Chapter 8 Section 5(e), that the GSU commandant shall be responsible for security of the President, the Deputy President, State houses and lodges.”

Mugonyi added that the DP’s office has written to the Inspector General of Police seeking for an explanation.

“The office of the Deputy President has formally written to the Inspector General of Police, seeking an official explanation on this matter and reasons for the breach of security,” he said.

The security withdrawal comes against the backdrop of a fallout and breakdown in the relationship between the Deputy President and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

DP Ruto's GSU security withdrawn
GSU officers guarding DP Ruto withdrawn replaced with AP officers #CitizenBriefs pic.twitter.com/8qWpby6XlJ

— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 26, 2021