‘Political vendetta’ – DP Ruto speaks after his security team was reorganized

Deputy President William Ruto has accused unnamed individuals in government for advancing a political vendetta against him after his security detail comprising of General Service Unit (GSU) officers was withdrawn and replaced by the Security of Government Building Units (SGB).

In a statement the DP's office issued to the Inspector General of police Hillary Mutyambai on Thursday, August 26, Ruto said the officers in charge of GSU attached to his official residence in Karen were instructed to withdraw from the premises by 2pm.

"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 2pm," part of the letter from the DP's officer to IG Mutyambai read.

Ruto argued that the withdrawal which affects all his residences was unlawful and contrary to Police Standing Orders which state that the GSU commandant shall be responsible for security of the President, Deputy President, Statehouses and lodges.

Ruto further linked the withdrawal of his guards to a political vendetta that seeks to expose him and his supporters to personal harm.

"This is the latest instalment in a sustained and systematic effort to undermine the Deputy President's personal security in pursuit of political vendetta, and is consistent with a strategy to expose the Deputy President of the republic to personal harm," the statement signed by Head of Communication in the office of the Deputy President read in part.

"This diabolical demonstration of bad faith runs back to 2017 when, at the height of campaigns, a gunman forced his way to the Deputy President's rural home in Sugoi, injured a GSU officer and laid siege for several hours."

The DP also linked the withdrawal of his guards to an incident in September 2020 when armed police prevented him from holding a meeting in Kisii town.

"In October 2020, armed police officers violently attempted to stop the Deputy President from holding a meeting in Kisii town.

On Tuesday this week, armed police officers violently dispersed mourners, damaged property and disrupted the funeral of the late MCA of Mahoo Ward in Taita Taveta County, ahead of the Deputy President's arrival."

The DP also pointed out an incident in January 2020 where government officials acting in authority locked him out of his official residence in Mombasa, which Ruto says is locked to date.

"The Deputy President is elected to perform prescribed constitutional roles and duties and therefore this worrying pattern of wanton violations of the law and of His Excellency the Deputy President's constitutional rights and personal security is calculated to sabotage and undermine the office," Ruto stated.

In his response to the DP, Mutyambai said the VVIP guards were not withdrawn but only reassigned adding that the Presidential Escort Unit continues to provide close protection security to the DP.

“The National Police Service through its various units is mandated to provide security to government buildings and critical infrastructure including security to VVIPs and their residences,” Mutyambai said

In an earlier statement, top sources privy to the development revealed that a number of security officers most of whom are GSUs at the DP’s Karen residence were recalled and replaced by Administration Police.

Mutyambai set the record straight stating, “today 26 August 2021 the Security of Government Buildings Unit (SGB) has been deployed to provide general security to the official residence of H.E the Deputy President from General Service Unit (GSU).”

The IG further defended the move adding that it is a normal re-assignment of duties within the National Police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.