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My Life is in Danger, Deputy President William Ruto Says
Deputy President William Ruto says his life is in danger following changes to his security detail.
In a letter to Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai, Ruto implied that there was a sinister motive in the withdrawal of his previous security team as well as six drivers.
The deputy president further questioned why the police chief has never taken action against individuals who have been saying that he will not be there in 2022.
“On numerous occasions, persons well known to you have publicly stated that Ruto will not be there in 2022. You have refused to act upon reports made to you on the implications of such remarks for the security, safety and wellbeing of the DP,” read the letter signed by Ruto’s chief of staff Ken Osinde.
On Thursday, the government withdrew General Service Unit (GSU) officers who have been guarding Ruto’s official residence in Karen and replaced them with their counterparts from the Administration Police (AP).
Police Spokesman Bruno Shioso downplayed concerns raised over the withdrawal of the officers, terming it a “normal re-assignment of duties within the National Police Service to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.”
Shioso clarified that the Presidential Escort Unit will continue to provide close protection security to the deputy president.
But Ruto insisted that the move was contrary to the National Police Service standing orders which state that the President and the Deputy President security teams should be from the GSU.
He went on to list a number of past incidents in which his security has been compromised, including the alleged Hotel La Mada meetings to plan the assassination of the deputy president.
Below are the other incidents listed in the letter;
On July 29, 2017- a gunman forced his way to the DPs rural home in Sugoi, murdered a GSU officer, injured another and laid siege for hours.
On January 8, 2020- you instructed security officers to lock His Excellency the Deputy President out of his official residence in Mombasa and it remains locked to date.
On September 10, 2020- chaos erupted in Kisii town ahead of DP arrival for a youth function. The police officers became mere bystanders as the chaos went on. To date no official communication has been made about it.
On October 4, 2020- You instructed armed police officers to violently stop the DP from attending a church service in Murang’a county where teargas was lobbed to worshippers at Kenol AIPCA church. No action has been taken to date.
On August 24, 2021- You instructed armed police officers to violently disperse mourners, damage property and disrupt the funeral ahead of DP Ruto’s arrival.