Noah Maiyo appointed as new Commandant of Presidential Escort Unit

The Presidential Escort Unit has received a new Commandant following the July 12 redeployment of its former commandant, Mr William Yiampoy to police headquarters.

Yiampoy was transferred to Vigilance and named Director of Operations.

"Following the deployment of the Unit Commandant Mr William Oloonkishu Yiampoi to Vigilance as the Director of Operations. This command informs you that Mr Noah Maiyo, AIG is the new Presidential Escort Commandant," an internal memo states.

Yiampoi, a track legend, took charge of the elite Presidential Escort Unit from Senior Assistant Inspector General of Police Josphat Kirimi in 2022 when he was picked to head the National Focal Point on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

His successor, Noah Maiyo, an Assistant Inspector General of Police has been serving as the head of security operations at the office of President William Ruto for two years.

Maiyo previously served in a similar position at the Office of the Deputy President for a decade.

This means the two officers served the president both during his decade-long tenure as Deputy President and during his time as President, a tenure that began in August 2022.

The Presidential Escort Unit was established to support the following functions of the Kenya Police Service under Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011: To provide security and protection to the President, the First Family, retired Presidents, the Deputy President, visiting Heads of State and Governments, and any other high-profile individuals as may be directed by the Inspector-General of Police.

More changes are expected in the service following Monday's interviews with candidates seeking to fill the two Deputy Inspector General positions declared vacant on July 13, following the deployment of the previous office holders to other duties the day before.

The substantive Inspector General will also be announced, a position that has since been filled in an acting capacity by the former DIG of Kenya Police, Mr Douglas Kanja.

Former DIG, Administration Police Noor Gabow was redeployed to the public service.

Sources indicate that the positions may be filled before the end of the week.