The Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome has clarified on the scaling down of security detail attached to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking in Mombasa, the IG said that the officers in charge of Uhuru’s security have not been withdrawn and instead structural changes have been effected as required by the law.  

Koome explained that the commander who leads the security detail of a president is of the rank of an assistant Inspector General of Police hence the changes since Uhuru is now a retired President.

“There is the Presidential escort commander who is an Assistant Inspector General. Those other units whether protecting the Deputy President or the retired President must be of lower rank for command at control purposes,” Koome said

“So that is what we have done, the officer who was there (Uhuru’s security detail) was an assistant inspector general and have recalled to be given command responsibilities commensurate with his rank,” he added

The IG clarified that further explained that once a President retires a Superintendent of Police becomes in charge of the security of a former head of state.

“Whatever has been done is in good faith and the Inspector General if any of our senior leaders has issues. Ours is to ensure we fair to every citizen,” he said

Koome also confirmed that the security detail of former First Lady Mama Ngina Kenyatta was intact.

“The former First lady has security, not just the former First Lady, even our late two former Presidents, we secure their premises. We respect those offices and we provide security.”