Security guard addresses a group invited to State House by President William Ruto on August 6, 2026 / SCREENGRABA security guard has appealed to President William Ruto to have private guards officially referred to as security officers instead of watchmen, saying the change would accord them the respect they deserve.
Speaking during a meeting between the President and more than 5,000 private security guards at State House on Thursday, the guard also urged the government to improve their salaries.
He said the term "watchman" diminishes the dignity of private security personnel and called for a change in how they are addressed.
"We thank you, President Ruto, for welcoming us at State House. The first thing we would like you to address is our salary. If it is addressed, we shall greatly appreciate. We know it will happen because you are a man of your words. We have faith that today, when we leave here, we shall be happy
"The team that is here – most often we are called watchmen. I would like that to change. I would like us to be referred to as security officers because when that changes, we can earn some respect in the various places we work.”
He urged employers to stop looking down upon most of them, saying it should be reviewed to give them the respect they deserve.
His remarks drew laughter from the audience, including the President.
The meeting formed part of President Ruto's ongoing engagements with different groups at State House.
On Wednesday, the President hosted Muslim religious leaders for discussions on governance, national unity, development and issues affecting communities.
Thursday's engagement with private security guards continued the series of consultations with key stakeholders.
On Monday, Ruto hosted leaders and members of the Friends Church in Kenya (Quakers) at State House, Nairobi, bringing together religious leaders and political figures from across the country.
The meeting attracted hundreds of faithfuls, alongside senior government officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, whose home church is the Friends Church.
The denomination is among the largest Christian churches in Western Kenya, with a strong presence across Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Trans Nzoia and neighbouring counties.
It also sponsors numerous schools, hospitals and community institutions, including Friends School Kamusinga, Friends School Chavakali and Kaimosi Friends University College.
The engagement comes as President Ruto continues meetings with religious groups across the country.
