From Moi to Ruto: The Career of Presidential Protection Veteran Noah Maiyo

Noah Kirwa Maiyo is a veteran Kenyan police officer from Elgeyo Marakwet  with a career spanning about 30 years in presidential protection and VIP security operations.

He is a senior Assistant Inspector General of Police who most recently served as the Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), a police unit responsible for the security of the President, the First Family, and visiting dignitaries.

Noah Kirwa Maiyo first came into prominence in 1998 as a young Recce Squad officer involved in presidential close protection duties during the Nairobi bomb blast incident involving former President Daniel arap Moi.

He later served under President Moi in presidential protection roles, marking the beginning of his long career in VIP security.

Profile of Veterian Noah Maiyo

Following the 2013 general election, Noah Maiyo was attached to the Office of the Deputy President, where he served as Head of Operations under William Ruto for about two years.

Further, when Ruto assumed the presidency in 2022, he continued within the presidential security structure at State House, where he was elevated through the ranks, drawing on his extensive experience in VIP protection.

In July 2024, Noah Maiyo was appointed Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), taking charge of the elite unit responsible for the President’s security detail.

During his service, he has been honoured with national awards, including the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) and a Presidential Commendation in recognition of his long service.

However, after a reported security breach in Kilifi County on May 24, 2026, Noah Maiyo was transferred to the Kenya Police Headquarters at Vigilance House.

The reshuffle also saw his replacement by William Sawe as the new Commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit.

Also Read: Ruto’s Security Detail Changed After Security Breach in Kilifi

About the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU)

This unit protects the Presidency.

These include the President, the first families, retired Presidents, the Deputy President, visiting Heads of State and Governments, and any other VIP as directed from time to time by the Inspector General of Police.

It is primarily a composition of what is known as the Joint Operational Command (JOC).

JOC brings together all agents and stakeholders tasked with the responsibility of providing security to the Presidency.

Its officers are drawn from the elite Recce Company and the General Service Unit (GSU). The officers are highly trained and received personalised, intense paramilitary training and later deployed to the GSU Guard ‘G’ Company.

PEU has 200 officers attached to the President and another 45 attached to the Deputy President, in the current Kenyan scenario.

Roles of PEU in Kenya

This unit is used to ensure the safe movement of the President.

Before any journey of the presidency commences,  the unit conducts detailed risk and threat assessments, relying on intelligence reports and surveillance.

Advance teams are sent ahead to inspect routes, venues, and surrounding areas, while security plans are adjusted depending on the level of risk.

During movement, the unit manages the presidential motorcade, which operates under strict formations designed to protect the President’s vehicle.

Also Read: ;Nisaidie; Man Carrying Bible Breaches Security and Runs Toward Ruto During Speech on Podium

The motorcade is supported by highly trained riders and drivers skilled in defensive and tactical operations.

Additionally, PEU operates under a joint command system that brings together police, intelligence services, and other security agencies.

This ensures that all aspects of presidential security, from crowd control to intelligence gathering, are handled in a unified manner.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates

Noah Maiyo in the line of duty. Photo/ Statehouse