NAIROBI, Kenya Feb 3 – Reports that the security detail of immediate former president Uhuru Kenyatta has been scaled down has touched off major uproar across the country.
Leaders allied to Kenyatta said his security was scaled down five months after handing over to his estranged deputy William Ruto who won the presidential election, defeating long-time Opposition chief Raila Odinga who enjoyed the establishment’s backing.
Reports indicate that General Service Unit officers attached to Kenyatta and members of his immediate family, including his mother Mama Ngina were recalled and only a few left.
The same is said to have happened to influential officials who served in his cabinet, including Fred Matiangi who wedged a ruthless campaign to stop Ruto from ascending to power.
Kenyatta and Ruto were elected overwhelmingly voted in but fell out during their second term in office when the president invited the Opposition leader into government after months of political unrest stemming from vote-rigging claims.
There was no immediate comment from the government even as criticism piled up, with leaders saying Kenyatta’s security is guaranteed by law.
