Presidential Security Team Hit by Changes After Ruto Event Security Breach

A security shake-up has hit the Kenya Police Service following the security breach that occurred during President William Ruto’s thanksgiving event in Ganze, Kilifi County on Saturday.

The latest changes announced by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat come hours after Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered investigations and immediate action following the incident, which police described as a serious lapse involving the President’s security.

In an internal police communication dated May 24, 2026, the Kenya Police Service announced several changes affecting officers attached to elite security units, including the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU).

Mr Noah Kirwa Maiyo was moved from his role as Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit to Kenya Police Headquarters – Vigilance.

Mr Juda Mathews Gwiyo, who had been serving as Deputy Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit, was directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.

Mr William Sawe was transferred from the Commanding Officer position at the Recce Sub Unit to become the new Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit.

Mr George Kirera was elevated from Staffing Officer Personnel PEU to Deputy Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit.

Further changes saw Mr Josphat Sirma move from Deputy Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit to Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit, while Mr Rere Kipkoech was transferred from Deputy Special Operations Base One (SOB1) to Kenya Police Headquarters – Vigilance.

The changes come after Kanja announced the formation of a special investigations team to establish how the security breach occurred during President Ruto’s public function in Kilifi.

“The National Police Service wishes to address a serious security breach that occurred today, 24 May 2026, during a thanksgiving event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, was addressing members of the public,” Kanja said in an earlier statement.

The Inspector General termed the incident “a matter of the gravest national concern”, insisting that any compromise involving the President’s security was unacceptable.

Kanja also disclosed that he had ordered immediate changes to the security detail responsible for the President’s protection to strengthen protocols and address vulnerabilities.

Although police have not disclosed details of what exactly transpired during the event, the reshuffle appears to be the first major action taken following the incident.

The National Police Service has maintained that it remains committed to ensuring the highest security standards for the President, national leadership and members of the public.