Former CJ Willy Mutunga rarely uses his police bodyguards – Boniface Mwangi

Human rights activist Boniface Mwangi has decried the abuse of police bodyguards by politicians as the country struggles to meet the international standard of police-citizen ratio.

In a recent social media post, Mwangi argued that for some VIPs having personal bodyguards is an "ego thing and not a security need".

"I have friends both in government and the opposition. Many have been in politics for years, and most agree that having personal bodyguards for the majority of them is quite unnecessary. It’s an ego thing, they say, not a security need," Mwangi wrote.

The former Starehe MP candidate claimed that some leaders were misusing their personal guards with some being forced to take up houseboy roles.

"...I’m even ashamed to say that I know of a politician who had four armed officers, and a chase car, assigned to protect his girlfriend. I once lived in an estate where a housegirl used to send the Administration Police officer assigned to protect the Permanent Secretary's home, to go and buy milk. He would also wake up to wash the cars of the PS and his wife. He was basically a houseboy carrying a G3 rifle," he added.

Mwangi suggested that Kenya needs to rethink the protection of elected leaders and have the politicians apply for security on a case-by-case basis.

"Instead of providing them with blanket security, politicians should apply for security on a case-by-case basis. Once that happens, our leaders will be forced to prioritize the security of all Kenyans, and the welfare of police officers," he opined.

At the same time, Mwangi disclosed that former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga rarely uses his police bodyguards, seven years after his retirement.

He shared a video of the duo strolling in what looks like the streets of Nairobi with the former President of the Supreme Court with no security in sight.

"He (Mutunga) rarely uses his security because, if you don’t do evil, no one will harm you," Mwangi revealed.

"The politicians with contingents of security have their own reasons for this need. Wheeler-dealers involved in scams might need security. They have real enemies, therefore, need protection against any threats and, most importantly, give them the chance to continue scamming people," he added.

The United Nations recommends one police officer for every 450 citizens.

"Kenya has one (police) for every 1,150. Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police will assign 10 officers to protect one person," Mwangi lamented.

"If a politician feels insecure because they don’t have an armed personal bodyguard, imagine how our mothers, sisters, and daughters feel when they walk daily in unlit, dangerous streets, and have to pray that nothing bad happens to them.

"A good society is one that protects its women and children, not its privileged and richest members of society. Let’s ensure we deploy police officers where they’re needed and not to please egos."

The activist further faulted a recent offer by the Kenyan government to send 1,000 police officers to fight gangs in Haiti while Al-Shabaab continues to terrorise residents in North Eastern.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua last week committed to deploying a contingent of 1,000 police officers to Haiti after the country requested international support to address a crisis caused by a blockade of the country’s main fuel port that has led to crippling shortages.

"Then you have Alfred Mutua telling us that Kenya will send 1,000 police officers to Haiti, while North Eastern Kenya is partly being controlled by Al-Shabaab terrorists," Mwangi hit out at the government.

I have friends both in government and the opposition. Many have been in politics for years, and most agree that having personal bodyguards for the majority of them is quite unnecessary. It’s an ego thing, they say, not a security need.

The politicians with contingents of… pic.twitter.com/Bs88rKiWll— The People’s Watchman (@bonifacemwangi) August 5, 2023