How Maiyo lost control of Ruto's security detail

A series of blunders that compromised the safety of President William Ruto led to the removal of his trusted security chief, Noah Maiyo.

The weekend incident in Ganze was the final straw, as Maiyo, who headed the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), was moved following a string of security lapses.

Following the latest breach of the President’s security in Kilifi County, Maiyo’s superiors became convinced he was not the right person for the demanding role, amid claims that the veteran VIP protection officer had allowed some politicians to interfere with security protocols for their own selfish interests.

Maiyo, who has been recalled to police headquarters, will know his fate after 14 days once investigations into a series of security lapses at presidential functions are completed.

He was relieved of his role as PEU commandant in the wake of the Ganze security scare, during which a man walked onto the presidential dais and grabbed Ruto’s shoulder before the President’s security handlers intervened.

The President was delivering a speech at a Thanksgiving service for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs when the man appeared on the podium carrying what appeared to be a Bible.

While announcing that the incident would be investigated, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja termed the breach unacceptable and a matter of grave national concern.

“I have immediately constituted a special investigations team to conduct a swift, thorough and uncompromising inquiry into how this breach occurred. I have also ordered immediate changes to the security detail responsible for the President’s protection to strengthen protocols and seal any existing vulnerabilities,” said Kanja.

Even as Kanja vowed to take action against those found culpable, some questioned the role of the President’s aide, Farouk Kibet and Billy Arocho at presidential functions, accusing them of being part of the problem.

“On several occasions, we have seen Farouk Kibet and Billy Arocho either directing or controlling the security detail around the President. We want to know where these individuals derive their power from,” said a former police officer.

The Standard understands that Maiyo was moved for failing to maintain full control of the President’s security detail. He was replaced by William Sawe, the former commanding officer of the Recce Sub Unit.

“When you are unable to perform, there is no option. Our officers are well trained and are expected to deliver at every level,” said Kanja, while dismissing concerns that politicians and influential civilians were interfering with the President’s security. 

According to Kanja, the probe will also cover previous lapses in Nairobi, Mombasa, Wajir and Migori.

Kanja said the new head of the President’s security would ensure such lapses never occur again and that the highest standards of security are maintained for the President.

“Sawe and his team will address the lapses and streamline operations. I have confidence in them,” he said.

Sawe’s colleagues have described him as a highly disciplined officer with the vast knowledge and experience required for the job.

“Sawe is equal to the task. He is a highly refined paramilitary trainer and was instrumental in shaping some of us into symbols of discipline and resilience,” said Munene Mugambi, founding chairman of the Professional Criminologists Association of Kenya (PCAK).

Sawe enlisted in the General Service Unit in 1988 and was deployed to GSU headquarters upon graduation, where he served as quartermaster.

He was later moved to the GSU Training School in Embakasi, where he served as an instructor while rising through the ranks.

After being promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector, Sawe was deployed to the Field Company as commander before returning to GSU headquarters after being appointed staffing officer in charge of operations.

He was later transferred to the elite Recce Sub Unit, where he served until his latest promotion. His arrival was immediately felt as the President continued his tour of Kilifi yesterday.

Ruto avoided direct mingling and handshakes with crowds as his security was reinforced with three layers of armed officers walking on both sides of his motorcade while he greeted crowds that remained metres away from his vehicle.

Meanwhile, the whereabouts of the man who caused the security scare in Ganze remain unknown. Witnesses who saw what transpired after Ruto instructed his handlers to spare him recalled the man being bundled into a black saloon car before it sped off.

“When the President was leaving the dais, the protection unit went for the young man in the tent and grabbed him. He yelled, and that is when he was brought down with kicks and blows,” said one witness.

Moments later, a black saloon car pulled up near the tent, and the man was bundled into it before the vehicle drove off.