Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has warned officers assigned to protect VIPs against violating the law while carrying out their duties.
Kanja said officers working in VIP security must remain within the law at all times, regardless of the situation they find themselves in. His remarks come amid growing concerns over the conduct of security officers attached to politicians and other high-profile individuals.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 12, during a sensitisation forum on the new Service Standing Orders and police reforms at the National Police Leadership Academy in Ngong, Kanja admitted that VIP protection is one area of policing that requires greater attention.
He told officers that they would be personally responsible for their actions if they went beyond the limits set by the law.
Kanja also made it clear that the police service would not shield officers who engage in excessive or unlawful conduct while performing VIP protection duties.
“I've mentioned about the VIP protection because that is an area that we have not been doing very well. The officers must be reminded that they must, at all times, operate within the framework of the law,” Kanja said.
The warning comes at a time when VIP security operations are facing increased public scrutiny.
One of the cases attracting attention is the shooting of youth mobiliser Cecil Ouma in Nairobi in late June.
Police Constable Rashid Charo, who was attached to Youth and Sports Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs as a bodyguard, is the suspect in the case.
VIP security has also faced questions following several incidents involving President William Ruto's security team. In May, a civilian carrying a Bible managed to reach the President's podium during an event in Ganze, prompting changes to personnel assigned to the security detail.
Meanwhile, Kanja revealed that a new group of police officers is expected to graduate from various police training colleges soon. The graduation ceremonies are likely to take place from late August to early September.
The new officers, including senior commanders, will be deployed to different areas to strengthen policing operations.
Some will also be assigned to the newly established Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit (NMPU), which is expected to work closely with the Nairobi County Government in efforts to improve security across the capital.
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