General Service Unit officers have replaced the Administration Police to protect President-elect WilliamRuto's residences.
The government withdrew the elite squad from Ruto’s Karen, Sugoi and Nairobi residences in August last year in what Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i termed a normal reassignment.
Ruto's allies called it punishment.
The withdrawal came against the backdrop of worsening differences between Ruto and President Uhuru Kenyatta.
A contingent of paramilitary officers was seen arriving at the Sugoi rural home on Wednesday morning as the APs packed and left the residence in their Land Rover.
Senior officers confirmed the changeover. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they are not allowed to speak to the press.
“It is true the officers have been reinstated,” the officer said.
The situation was the same at Ruto's official Karen residence.
Ruto on Monday evening declared the winner of the poll by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebulati, narrowly defeating Raila Odinga by 7,176,141 against 6,942,930 votes.
Appearing before a parliamentary committee, Matiang'i defended his decision, saying under the Protected Areas Act, only eight areas have been designated to warrant GSU protection.
He cited Nairobi and Mombasa State Houses and State lodges in Kisumu, Sagana, Eldoret, Nakuru, Kakamega and Kisii.
“Contrary to the allegations made, the Deputy President is the most guarded in history of the country in comparison with previous equivalent office holders,” he told Parliament.
This explanation followed a protest by Ruto and his allies over the move to downgrade security by the CS.
(Edited by V. Graham)
