With power expected to come with risks of exposure, some of Kenya’s top leaders enjoy massive security that helps protect them from ill-minded individuals.
From state officers to individual bodyguards, high-level security details ensure that some of them have extensive protection to guarantee maximum safety at home and wherever they go.
Who are those who enjoy such privileges? Times Digital Kenya lists some of the people in Kenya who enjoy massive protection.
President
The seating President of Kenya is undoubtedly the most guarded VIP in the country. Along with his family and presidential installations, the President is protected by a 200-member elite squad drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU).
Local PPOs are tasked with ensuring that the Commander-in-Chief is well guarded when he tours their respective regions. Whenever the President addresses a gathering, more than 200 officers are deployed, with some in plain clothes and others in uniform.
That is not all. The President also enjoys protection from officers drawn from various units who are trained for one common purpose. In addition to police officers, the Head of State is also served by the National Intelligence Service, which provides crucial security support.
Deputy President
As the second-in-command, Kenya’s Deputy President is well guarded by at least 45 armed security officers. In addition to protecting him, the officers also guard his family, other relatives, his personal assistant (PA), as well as his property.
While on the road, the Deputy President of Kenya is accompanied by a lead car and a backup vehicle. When on the move, traffic personnel are alerted to clear the way for his motorcade.
Speaker of the National Assembly
The Speaker of the National Assembly is another government official who enjoys a heavy security detail. The Speaker is well guarded both at home and in the office, and his family also enjoys security protection.
Like the Deputy President, the National Assembly Speaker has a lead car and a backup vehicle. Whenever he travels, he is accompanied by eight police officers.
The Chief Justice
The head of the Judiciary, the Chief Justice, who leads the third arm of government, enjoys heavy security.
The office and home of the Chief Justice are well guarded, and he/she also enjoys the services of a lead car whenever he is on the move.
The Inspector General (IG) of Police
Given that he commands the entire National Police Service (NPS), the Inspector General (IG) enjoys massive protection drawn from the General Service Unit (GSU) or specialized VIP protection units.
In addition to 24/7 armed protection at his official residence, the Inspector General is constantly accompanied by armed bodyguards, both in official and sometimes personal capacities.
