Former lead bodyguard to President Uhuru Kenyatta, Papita Ranka, has been appointed the new North Eastern Regional Police Commander (RPC), effective August 13, 2024.
This appointment is part of a series of changes announced by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Kenya Police, Eliud Lagat.
Ranka, a Recce-trained officer with extensive experience in VIP protection, succeeds Bundi Muriithi, who has been recalled to police headquarters.
His new role will involve leading efforts against terrorism and smuggling in the region.
The recent changes also include the transfer of police commanders in Garissa and Mandera Counties.
Samuel Mutunga, the Mandera County police commander, and John Sichei, the Garissa County police commander, have both been reassigned, with new commanders taking over their respective posts.
In addition, Stephen Ngetich, the Kwale police boss, has been moved to police headquarters, and Ali Nuno has been appointed as his replacement.
At the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Wilhem Kimutai, head of the Land Fraud Unit, is succeeded by Juma Mashua from the Internal Affairs Unit.
These changes are part of a broader strategy to bolster security operations, particularly in North Eastern Kenya, which is facing increased attacks from al-Shabaab militants.
Recent incidents in the region include the killing of a Deputy County Commissioner’s driver in Mandera East on August 9 and several explosions and ambushes throughout July.
On August 5, a multi-agency team conducted raids targeting al-Shabaab positions in Mandera, Wajir, and Garissa Counties, recovering ammunition, medical supplies, and other items.
In Garissa, a security team intervened when militants seized camels from local residents, recovering two camels and chasing the militants who fled into Somalia.
The ongoing violence in North Eastern Kenya is attributed to the unstable situation in Somalia, where terror groups exploit the border regions to launch attacks.
Kenyan troops continue to pursue and suppress these groups, while local cooperation is vital in combating the insurgency.