The pain and pleasure of being a bodyguard to a Kenyan VIP

If the alleged gun drama at a Nairobi shopping mall involving Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza goes to court, as recommended by investigators, her driver Eric Omondi could also find himself in the dock.

Mr Omondi, a police constable deployed to the Judiciary, is the one allowed to carry a gun for her protection in line with procedures adopted by the police force.

He also risks suspension if he were to be charged. Within the force, guarding a VIP is considered one of the few prestigious assignments available for junior officers.

The job comes with special allowances on top of the monthly salary, making it one of the most sought after deployments in the police.

But as the Sunday Nation found out, VIP bodyguards have to cope with with unpleasant experiences on a daily basis.

A number of officers who spoke on condition of anonymity said the job could either be enjoyable or frustrating, depending on the character of the VIP.

An officer assigned to guard an MP from Western Kenya cited incidents when he has had to receive blows and kicks aimed at the legislator during frequent bar fights.

The incidents have, however, never deteriorated to the point where guns were drawn. Another MP, his bodyguards told the Sunday Nation, is known for his casanova habits and uses police guards assigned to him to accomplish his mischievous missions.

Guards around him are seen pestering women pointed out to them by the MP at entertainment joints. The guards would then sneak the women to private villas where their boss would be waiting.

Using policemen for roles outside their defined duties is not permitted and can result to the VIPs being reprimanded and the guards withdrawn.

“Officers on any assignment know what is expected of them. So when they encounter problems they know where to report.

“For instance, those assigned through Parliament are under the station commander at Parliament Police Station.

“Those seconded directly to MPs from various stations still remain under the command of the respective OCSs (station commanders),” said police spokesman Eric Kiraithe.

A former Nairobi MP had his bodyguard withdrawn for several weeks while he was serving in Parliament.

The decision was taken because each time a police guard was attached to him, the officer reportedly complained of frustration and requested redeployment.

If the MP was not involved in chaotic demonstrations then he would be confronting equally unruly supporters of a rival politician, the officers said.

Besides politicians, senior government officials and parastatal chiefs are guarded by police officers.

“The VIP as well as the officer attached to him should understand the assignment is for security purposes.