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Alluding to Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s case, who had several of security officers guarding him withdrawn last week, the CS noted that “no politician deserves to be protected by 26 policemen.”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.
MR. Matiang’i because …
MR. Matiang’i because “Charity begins at (your) home” and “Actions speak Louder than Words”: Let’s begin with WITHDRAWING your BODYGUARDS.
Way to go Matiangi. Common…
Way to go Matiangi. Common wananchi don’t have security. At least VIPs can afford to hire their own security.
For real why Have all those…
For real why Have all those bodguards..instead if they fear for their lives suplly or let the buy bullet proof vests..in their homes deploy G4s and arm them maximum 4 body gurds 2 day 2 night…I like yr phrase…We cannot move a police station..correction 2 to 3 police stations to an individual house…rural areas spme police posts have less than 8 Police officers..Keep going Matiang
Bodyguard
This is a big idea…
Bodyguard
This is a big idea and very important to Kenyan how can one have 26 bodyguards.
What will that person do when one lose that sit.
Kenyan taxpayers money should not be used like this Uhuru protect it at your time it is day light roberly shame you Sonico 26 bodyguards
Sonko has relocated City…
Sonko has relocated City Hall to his home in MUA HILLS,Machakos because Matiang’i reduced his bodyguards.Does that mean Mua Hills is HEAVEN,the most secure place to live?Did Nairobi County become Sonko’s private property upon his election as a g o governor?
Finally a politician doing…
Finally a politician doing something to save taxpayers money. Keep up the good work. Majority of the Kenyan politicians do only one thing: fleece the wananchi by stealing as much as they can once in the office. The president might need that many policemen but no one else.They are already overpaid. More power to you Matiang’i. You are doing something to stop these corrupt politicians. We salute you.
Even Uhuru does not need all…
Even Uhuru does not need all those(200) guards.Uhuru & other family members were present when his father,Kamau died.Muigai himself can be my witness that the more than 300 policemen surrounding them did nothing to PREVENT/PROTECT Kamau from dying.
Very true @karinga.Jf…
Very true @karinga.Jf Kennedy was shot where were the body guards?My point is it doesn’t matter whether ur guarded by 100000000 police when yr time comes u gat to go n when the evil pple want to eliminate u it doesn’t matter how many r guarding you?Sonko we voted for you n the office in Nairobi wr paying for it so take yr ass back there.What if kiambu Gavana moves his office to Turkana or joho moves his office to kirinyaga????Sonko please mature my fred.I voted for you coz u won the jubilee ticket n trust me u still have a long time to fix Nairobi instead of hizi maexcuses zako.If u ask me any Gavana should have 2 bodyguards only.