EXPLAINER: Understanding how VIP protection works in Kenya

The recent murder of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were has reignited debate about the safety of VIPs in the country.

Questions have emerged over how these figures, from the President down to MPs, are protected and whether the existing security measures are sufficient and effective.

In Kenya, VIP protection is coordinated and approved by the Inspector General of Police through the National Police Service,  as mandated by the National Police Service Act.

The deployment of bodyguards and security personnel is guided by an individual’s constitutional office, their security risk level, and national security interests.

At the top of the hierarchy is the President, whose security detail is the most elaborate and heavily resourced.

This responsibility falls under two elite units: the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) and the General Service Unit's G-Company, commonly known as G-coy.

The PEU is responsible for the President’s close personal protection. This includes 24-hour armed escorts, armoured motorcades, and advance surveillance sweeps at public venues.

Officers in the PEU are specially trained in VIP protection tactics, close-quarters combat, threat detection, and secure driving.

The unit is known to operate under strict secrecy, with most of its activities and personnel shielded from public view.

The G-coy, on the other hand, serves a complementary role.

It provides static and perimeter security at the State House, State Lodges, and official residences of both the President and the Deputy President.

It also reinforces PEU officers during high-risk assignments and national functions.

Inside the PEU is a Counter Assault Team (CAT)—a special unit equipped and trained to respond to complex attacks, particularly ambushes or assassination attempts. 

Their deployment is generally discreet, and they are kept on standby during public appearances or when the President travels to volatile regions.

The Deputy President enjoys similar security arrangements, although on a relatively smaller scale.

Officers from the PEU and GSU are assigned to the DP’s detail, along with trained drivers, a motorcade, and venue security teams.

The level of protection may be reviewed periodically based on prevailing political or security dynamics.

On the other end, Cabinet Secretaries are assigned armed bodyguards drawn primarily from the Administration Police (AP) and the GSU.

The number of officers depends on their docket. For example, CSs for Defence, Interior, or Treasury—whose roles are considered more sensitive—are likely to receive more personnel.

These officers accompany CSs to official functions, guard their residences, and provide round-the-clock security when required. 

Apart from being directly assigned officers, these officials may write to the IG requesting specific individuals, particularly those known to them.

Principal Secretaries, Members of Parliament, and Senators are generally entitled to one or two bodyguards.

Like CSs, they may apply for specific officers to be assigned, but access to elite units like PEU or CAT is strictly prohibited. Their protection covers public engagements, legislative sessions, and occasional residence surveillance.

In some cases, lawmakers can request enhanced security if they report credible threats.

The National Police Service is expected to investigate such claims before approving additional protection.e IG.

They are, however, strictly barred from picking officers from the elite units, including PEU.

These officers provide protection at public events, parliamentary sessions, and, in some cases, at their private residences.

They can also request enhanced security if they report credible threats.

Governors, as heads of devolved units, are accorded personal security, usually including a lead escort vehicle, bodyguards, and occasional GSU backup depending on local risks.

Their security is coordinated by the County Police Commander in consultation with the NPS headquarters.

Senior officials such as High Court judges, Magistrates, County Commissioners, and Heads of constitutional commissions (like IEBC and EACC) are also eligible for government security.

Their protection levels depend on the sensitivity of their role and risk assessments.

Other top government officials who receive state-provided protection include the Speaker of the National Assembly, Speaker of the Senate, Chief Justice, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), and Inspector General of Police himself.