Reshuffle In The Security Sector.

The National Police Service has announced a major reshuffle affecting senior officers within the Kenya Police Service, particularly in the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) and the elite Recce Squad, in changes aimed at strengthening operations and command structures within specialized security formations.

In the changes announced by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, Mr. Noah Kirwa Maiyo has been transferred from his role as Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit to the Vigilance Department at Kenya Police Headquarters.

Mr. Juda Mathews Gwiyo, who had been serving as Deputy Commandant of the PEU, has been directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.

At the same time, Mr. William Sawe has been moved from his position as Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit to become the new Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit.

Mr. George Kirera has also been reassigned from the position of Staffing Officer Personnel at the PEU to serve as Deputy Commandant of the unit.

Within the Recce Sub Unit, Mr. Josphat Sirma has been promoted from Deputy Commanding Officer to Commanding Officer, replacing Sawe.

Meanwhile, Mr. Rere Kipkoech has been transferred from the position of Deputy SOB1 to the Vigilance Department at Kenya Police Headquarters.

The reshuffle comes shortly after a security breach involving President William Ruto during a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where a man managed to breach the security perimeter and briefly approach the Head of State before officers intervened. Following the incident, Inspector General Douglas Kanja described the breach as a matter of “grave national concern” and ordered immediate changes to the President’s security detail as well as investigations into the lapse.

However, it is important to note that the National Police Service has not officially stated that Mr. Noah Maiyo’s transfer was disciplinary in nature. The official communication only described the changes as transfers and reassignments taking effect immediately.

The Presidential Escort Unit is among Kenya’s most sensitive security formations, tasked with protecting the President, Deputy President, visiting heads of state, and other high-profile leaders. The Recce Squad, on the other hand, is an elite tactical unit under the General Service Unit (GSU) known for handling high-risk security operations.