The Inspectors General of Police Japhet Koome has admitted that security guards who were assigned to former Cabinet Secretaries, including Fred Matiang'i, have been reduced.
Justifying the latest rationalisation of security of VIPs and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Koome said ex-CSs cannot enjoy the same security as those in office.
The IG said serving CS must be guarded by more officers because of the nature of their work and the long hours they work.
“You have retired, like the cabinet secretaries, and you have had them say in the media they are now retired and enjoying their retirement and say at times they enjoy driving themselves and they don't need to wake up very early,” he said on Friday.
“Do you give that person the same security as this CS who must be in the office by 6 am and must work at times until 10 pm, let us be sincere, I am retired as cabinet secretary, do I continue enjoying the same security as someone who is in active duty?”
He said the same will apply to ex-Principal Secretaries and retired state officers.
There were reports on Thursday that Matiang'i's guards and those of ex-Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho had been downsized.
The reports triggered a storm with politicians alleging malice.
But the IG said he is an independent office and will provide security to every Kenyan.
“There is no politics in this, the IG will not allow to be dragged into politics, we have done this in good faith and if there are any concerns by our leaders let them raise it with me,” he said.
Cabinet Secretaries enjoy the services of armed guards, but the number differs from one CS to another depending on the security threats assessments.
