President William Ruto’s newly appointed Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) commandant William Sawe has officially assumed control of the Head of State’s security operations, immediately rolling out tighter protection measures following recent security breaches during public events.
Sawe, a seasoned General Service Unit (GSU) commando and former Recce Unit commander, took charge on Monday during President Ruto’s Coast tour, introducing significant operational changes aimed at strengthening presidential security.
Sawe introduces stricter security measures
The new PEU commandant reportedly flew to Mombasa from the Recce Unit headquarters in Ruiru on Sunday night shortly after his appointment was announced.
Upon arrival, Sawe ordered increased deployment of security personnel around the President, stricter crowd management protocols and tighter restrictions on access to the Head of State during public engagements.
Witnesses at the events observed Sawe personally supervising security operations, coordinating officers on the ground and ensuring a wider distance between President Ruto and members of the public.
The changes come after a series of security breaches during presidential functions, including the recent Kilifi incident where a man carrying a Bible managed to break through security barriers and approach the President during a public address.
Security shake-up follows Kilifi breach
Sawe was appointed the new Presidential Escort Unit commandant on Sunday, May 24, replacing Noah Kirwa Maiyo following the Kilifi security scare.
The changes were announced by Deputy Inspector General of the Kenya Police Service Eliud Lagat as security agencies launched investigations into the breach that occurred during a thanksgiving event in Ganze, Kilifi County.
Maiyo was transferred to Vigilance House at Kenya Police Headquarters, while PEU Deputy Commandant Juda Mathews Gwiyo was directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.
Other changes saw George Kirera appointed Deputy Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit, while Josphat Sirma was promoted to head the elite Recce Unit.
Authorities described the reshuffle as part of broader efforts to tighten presidential security and seal operational gaps exposed during recent public events.
Sawe brings elite Recce and GSU experience
Sawe is regarded as one of the country’s most experienced security commanders, having risen through the ranks within the General Service Unit before taking command of the Recce Company in 2025.
He previously served as head of operations at the GSU headquarters and has undergone specialised training under both the Presidential Escort Unit and the Recce Squad.
Security insiders say his extensive operational background makes him well suited to coordinate high-risk presidential security assignments.
The PEU and Recce teams are among the country’s most elite security formations and often work together during presidential movements and high-profile operations.
Series of security incidents raised concerns
The latest changes follow several security scares involving President Ruto during public events over the past year.
In February 2026, a man stormed towards the President during a public function in Wajir before he was restrained by security officers.
Days earlier in Mombasa, another individual breached security and ran onto the podium while Ruto was addressing residents, although the President reportedly intervened and instructed officers not to harm him.
In May 2025, the Head of State narrowly avoided being struck by a shoe thrown during a rally in Migori County, an incident that triggered a previous review of presidential security protocols.
Following the latest Kilifi breach, Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident and announced immediate restructuring within the presidential security team.
“The security of the Head of State is a matter of national security and will be treated with the utmost seriousness,” Kanja said.
He further warned members of the public against attempting to breach security arrangements during presidential functions.
Presidential security unit among Kenya’s most elite teams
The Presidential Escort Unit is a specialised security formation tasked with protecting the President and the First Family during all movements and public appearances.
The unit works closely with local police commanders and the National Intelligence Service during presidential tours across the country.
President Ruto’s security detail reportedly includes close to 200 officers drawn mainly from the General Service Unit and other elite police formations.
During public rallies, local police officers are deployed alongside PEU officers to secure venues, manage crowds and maintain movement corridors for the Head of State.
Security protocols also prohibit armed officers outside the presidential team from accessing close proximity to the President during public events.
The latest changes now signal a renewed push by security agencies to reinforce operational discipline and prevent future breaches involving the Head of State.
