The National Police Service has replaced the commandant of President William Ruto's security detail following a breach during an event in Ganze, Kilifi County.
Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service announced the changes on Sunday evening. Noah Kirwa Maiyo was relieved as commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit and reassigned to Kenya Police Headquarters. William Sawe, previously commanding officer of the Recce sub-unit, took over the role immediately.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered the adjustments after a man reached the president at the podium in Ganze. "I have ordered immediate changes to the security detail responsible for the President’s protection in order to strengthen protocols and seal any existing vulnerabilities," Kanja said.
Juda Matthews Gwiyo, the former deputy commandant, was directed to proceed on leave ahead of retirement. George Kirera was appointed the new deputy, and Josephat Sirma took command of the Recce sub-unit. This marks the latest in a series of security incidents involving Ruto, including one on February 12.