New presidential escort commander appointed for Ruto after Kilifi security scare
By David Nthua, May 24, 2026Presidential Escort Unit commander Noah Maiyo has been redeployed to Police Headquarters at Vigilance House in Nairobi, just hours after a dramatic security breach involving President William Ruto in Kilifi County.
The changes were announced in an internal Kenya Police Service communication signed by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Maiyo, who previously headed the elite Presidential Escort Unit, has now been moved from the sensitive presidential security docket amid mounting concerns over the President’s safety.
The shake-up also saw William Sawe, who had been serving as Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit, appointed as the new Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit.
Security changes follow Kilifi breach
The latest police reshuffle comes hours after a man breached President William Ruto’s security during a public thanksgiving event in Ganze, Kilifi County.
In the dramatic incident, the man reportedly broke through security barriers, ran towards the podium and briefly held onto the President before security officers intervened.
Footage from the scene showed a tense moment as officers rushed to restrain the intruder while the President attempted to calm the situation.
The incident triggered widespread concern online and renewed scrutiny over the preparedness of the Presidential Escort Unit during public events.
Inspector General Douglas Kanja later described the breach as a serious matter of national concern and announced immediate changes to the President’s security arrangements.
Full list of police changes
Apart from Maiyo’s redeployment, Deputy Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit Juda Mathews Gwiyo has proceeded on leave pending retirement.
George Kirera has been moved from the Personnel Staffing Office within the Presidential Escort Unit to become the new Deputy Commandant, replacing Gwiyo.
Meanwhile, Josphat Sirma has been promoted from Deputy Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit to Commanding Officer of the same unit.
Rere Kipkoech has also been transferred from the Deputy Special Operations Bureau Inventory department to Kenya Police Headquarters at Vigilance House.
The latest changes signal growing pressure within security agencies to tighten presidential protection protocols following repeated security scares involving the Head of State during public engagements.