Under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act of 2011, the Presidential Escort Unit is a dignified branch of the Kenya Police Service tasked with protecting H.E the President, the First Family, the Deputy President, visiting Heads of State and other VIPs as directed by the Inspector General of Police.

The President’s escort team comprises positions like the detail leader, assistant detail leader, tactical commander, motorcade chief, advance coordinator, mobile operative, static officer and protective intelligence officer.

Every person in this group is well-trained and skilled in firearm handling. But what does it mean to be part of the Presidential Escort Unit? In this article, we look at some of the public details of how the PEU operates.

The Presidential Escort Unit is a composition of something known as a Joint Operational Command (JOC), that involves all the stakeholders and agents that are tasked with the security of the president. Each group serves a specific task.

Reportedly, even the President’s personal aide de camp follows strict rules and receives instructions from the Presidential Escort Unit Commander.

It was reported that the unit had 200 officers for the President and 45 for the Deputy President. Most officers came from the Elite Recce Squad in the General Service Unit (GSU) and are highly trained in paramilitary skills.

Security expert Musamali once told a local media outlet that before the President travels to a new area, his security team conducts a risk and threat analysis.

“We can say the uniformed police can be tasked with crowd controlling while the National Intelligent Service (NIS) can be tasked with collecting intelligence. So based on the intelligence, we come up with a security plan,” he said.

Presidential Escort Unit Formations

Once the President leaves the State House, the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) provides protection using various formations. The specific formation adjusts based on the mission and available resources.

During transit, the riders leading the motorcade are highly trained in combat and warfare. Besides managing traffic, they provide protection and control the speed of the motorcade.

Six-member formation, Inner cordon

He noted that the PEU establishes the inner cordon to manage access to the immediate area of Presidential activities. They also position themselves with the President on the dais during public events.

The person in charge of the inner cordon is called Oscar 1. He sits right behind the president and leads the six-member close protection team.

At times, the security analyst detailed that there may be an outer cordon and then the rest of the assigned police formations.

Transit Formations

1. Arrowhead formation

In this setup, vehicles are arranged to shield the front and rear of the President’s vehicle, which travels in the centre.

2. Diamond Formation

In this arrangement, the President’s vehicle is positioned between security vehicles. This involves at least four vehicles; one on the left, one on the right, one in front, and one at the rear.

The drivers of these vehicles are skilled in defensive driving techniques.

3. Wedge Formation

This setup is used in the event of imminent danger, where the President is completely surrounded by security and might require evacuation.

Qualifications to become Presidential Escort Officer

The security expert explained that joining the PEU requires specialized VIP protection training.

This training includes a minimum of two months at the General Service Unit (GSU) school with instructors from the U.S. and Israel, before certification as a close protection officer.

Candidates must also show strong integrity and maintain physical and mental fitness.

PEU Officer Requirements

Dress in Black

The security personnel for the President in Kenya usually wear black suits. This uniform choice shows that Kenya is a civilian government, akin to the practice observed in the United States.

“If you go to places like Uganda or Rwanda where we have a military government, the president’s security team is dressed in uniform,” said the security analyst.

Bullet Proof Vests

Occasionally, the President might need to wear a bulletproof vest depending on the event or circumstances. However, these vests are often bulky and uncomfortable, making them inconvenient for frequent use.

He also mentioned that when the President assumes office, he is required to undergo weapons training as well as various security drills.

For example, when Oscar 1 stands while the President is giving his speech, he is taught that he needs to cut it short as there is an impending danger that has been sighted.

“The rule is in case there is a shoot out, his team needs to be there and have covered him already. It is you, the security to be shot and not the president,” Musamali stated.

He emphasized on the need for coordination among the different agencies, pointing out that each part of the presidential security team plays a role.

An example of instances of security breaches that cannot be ignored include the president being driven while his vehicle’s windows are down or walking on the road alone.

Joining requirements, roles of GSU Recce Squad vs Kenya Defence Forces

What PEU Officers are barred from doing

According to Chogoi, a Nairobi-based security expert, these aides must follow a strict code of conduct and are prohibited from engaging in certain activities while on duty.

1. Drugs

On July 6, 2020, former Escort Commander George Kirera warned his officers against chewing miraa, noting that this practice could pose health risks to state officials.

“Some of the officers undergo tests and have to be clean from drugs at all times,” the security expert said.

2. Chewing Gum in Public

This is one of several actions that can harm an officer’s reputation and lead to increased scrutiny. He explained that officers are trained to maintain a specific image and are also educated in public relations.

“They understand that they are guarding the President and other VIPs, and are expected to avoid things which create distractions, especially on state functions,” he added.

3. Dressing in Civilian

The escort unit wears suits, while the aide de camp is in ceremonial uniform.

“They dress in suits to match their level of professionalism and to also camouflage their weapons and the President at times, especially when he dresses in suits too.”

4. Breaking Protocol

The protocol includes area surveillance, shielding the Head of State from close public interactions, and, for the aide de camp, accepting gifts on behalf of the President.

“The bodyguards are poised to face disciplinary measures whenever they break protocol. They adhere to drills and schedules of the day,” the security expert revealed.

5. Receiving Personal Phone Calls on Duty

The mobile lead is responsible for blocking frequencies at events with the President. This allows aides to use the same communication frequency.

Using personal phones could disrupt this communication and affect security efficiency.

Disclaimer: Details provided are for informational purposes. Thorough background fact-checking has been conducted.