Withdrawal of Bodyguards from VIPs Unstoppable, Interior CS Fred Matiang'i Says

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i has vowed to continue with the ongoing mass withdrawal of police bodyguards attached to VIPs.

Speaking on Monday during a function where the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) handed over its end of term report, Matiang'i said the exercise will continue despite protests from some of the VIPs, especially the Governors.

Alluding to Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko's case, who had several of security officers guarding him withdrawn last week, the CS noted that "no politician deserves to be protected by 26 policemen."

"Let us learn to use common sense as well. We can't move a police station to your office," Matiang'i said on Monday in reference Sonko, who had his bodyguards reduced from 26 to five.

He called on politicians to support the radical changes being carried out by the police service. Those to be affected by the withdrawal include; Governors, senators, MPs, parastatal heads and others VIPs.

The Interior ministry said the exercise will see more than 5,000 police officers currently providing security to VIPs recalled. The officers will then be deployed to general population.

"Government to reduce the levels of VIP protection by 50% by July this year so that the officers can be deployed to protect life and property of ordinary citizens, says Interior CS Dr. Matiang’i,” said Ministry of Interior spokesman Mwenda Njoka.