The withdrawal of General Service Unit (GSU) officers from the residences of Deputy President William Ruto prompted youth in Eldoret ‘step in to fill the gap’.
GSU officers from the DP’s residences in Nairobi’s Karen and at his Sugoi rural home were withdrawn on Thursday August 26th and replaced by Administration Police officers.
The move sparked protest from the DP’s camp who demanded an explanation on the sudden withdrawal of the GSU officers.
Ruto’s spokesman David Mungonyi called on Inspector General (IG) of Police Hilary Mutyambai to explain why the GSU were suddenly withdrawn.
According to Mungonyi, a senior officer in charge of security at the DP’s residence in Karen received verbal instructions from his superiors on Thursday morning to withdraw all GSU officers from all Ruto residences by 2pm.
“The office of the Deputy President has formally written to the IG seeking an explanation on this matter and reasons for the breach of security,” Mugonyi said citing Police Service Standing Orders, Chapter 8 Section 5 (e), which states that the GSU Commandant shall be responsible for the security of the President, Deputy President, State Houses and lodges.
On his part, police IG Mutyambai explained that the withdrawal of GSU officers from Ruto’s residences was normal re-assignment within the National Police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
Mutyambai further stressed that the elite Presidential Escort Unit still continues to provide close protection security to the deputy president.
Ruto’s camp however interpreted the move as an escalation of the stand off between president Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy.
Angry reactions from some of Ruto’s allies fired up youth in Eldoret who decided to make their way to the DP’s residence to ‘provide security’.
Speaking to the press, the youth claim that the government has a mission of humiliating Ruto and they can longer take it.
The group said they will stay put at Ruto’s Eldoret residence until after the 2022 general election which they hope their man will win.
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