Changes on Uhuru, Matiang'i Security Causes Disquiet in Azimio

The scaling down of security details attached to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i caused unease among Azimio leaders who termed the move a political witch-hunt.

According to reports, over 50 officers were recalled from the former Head of State security detail leaving him with only a team of 25 officers after the changes.

On the other hand, the security detail of Matiang'i was reportedly reduced from 18 to two.

In a statement dated Friday, February 3, Raila Odinga's Presidential Campaign Secretariat Spokesperson, Makau Mutua, questioned the move to effect changes on the security of Uhuru - who is entitled to state protection as per the Presidential Retirement Benefits Act,2003.

Azimio Campaign Spokesperson Prof Makau Mutua during the JKLive show on Wednesday, January 26, 2023.

MAKAU MUTUA

He opined that the government would be held responsible in the event lapses were witnessed in Uhuru's security.

"The security of a former Head of State in America or in a banana republic like Kenya isn’t a political matter. It’s about the security of the state itself.

"Should harm befall a former Head of State, there would be consequences. My two cents," he stated.

On her part, Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua advocated for the independence of the police from the ruling government's political decisions.

"Police independence from political influence in decision making and in operations is what informed the police reforms in the 2010 constitution.

"It is, therefore, unfortunate to see successive holders of (the office of the) Inspector General of Police continue to bow to executive pressure despite their constitutional safe guards. The independence of the holder of office shapes the trajectory of the office constitutional safe guards notwithstanding," she echoed.

Concern over the security changes effected on Thursday, February 2, was initially raised by Uhuru's longtime ally Pauline Njoroge who also wondered about the timing of the changes.

"How far are Ruto and his people willing to go in their pettiness? They have withdrawn all security officers assigned to Uhuru Kenyatta.

"The provision of security for a retired president is not a favour that the sitting government accords him. It is a requirement of the law," she stated.

Kenya kwanza leaders were also drawn to the debate as some expressed that the former Head of State did not require a big security detail.

"I am told Uhuru is lamenting about his security this and that. It is alright. We will send him 50 officers from (a security firm)," Kimilili lawmaker Didimus Barasa commented.

Attempts to reach out to the police for confirmation proved futile. Police Spokesperson Resila Onyango promised to get back to us regarding the matter.

On the other hand, reports also hinted that the security changes also affected former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho whose security detail was reduced from 18 officers. However, the former PS maintained that he has never had 18 guards as widely reported.

"First, in my entire time in service, I never had 18 security officers. Not even half of that number. Secondly, when I handed over office on December 5, I surrendered all government assets including security officers and vehicles," he told Nation.