The Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service, Eliud Lagat, has announced a series of changes within the police service following what authorities described as a “serious security breach” involving President William Ruto during a thanksgiving event held in Ganze, Kilifi County.
In a statement issued on Monday, the changes affected senior officers attached to the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), the Recce Squad and the Kenya Police Headquarters Vigilance Unit.
Among the changes, Mr. Noah Kirwa Maiyo was transferred from his position as Commandant of the PEU to the Kenya Police Headquarters Vigilance Unit. His position will now be taken over by Mr. William Sawe, who previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit.
Mr. Juda Mathews Gwiyo, who had been serving as the Deputy Commandant of the PEU, was directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.
At the same time, Mr. George Kirera was moved from his role as Staffing Officer Personnel at the PEU to become the new Deputy Commandant of the unit.
The changes also affected the elite Recce Sub Unit, where Mr. Josphat Sirma was elevated from Deputy Commanding Officer to Commanding Officer of the unit.
Additionally, Mr. Rere Kipkoech was transferred from the Deputy SOB1 position to the Kenya Police Headquarters Vigilance Unit.
The police leadership did not disclose details surrounding the alleged security breach at the thanksgiving event in Ganze. However, the reshuffle signals heightened concern within the security apparatus over the handling of the President’s protection during public engagements.
The thanksgiving event in Kilifi County had attracted political leaders, security personnel and hundreds of residents from the coastal region.