- Levis Wandera shared the challenges faced by bodyguards protecting politicians like former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua
- Wandera recounted alleged threats he received from a suspected GSU officer during his security tenure
- He stressed the importance of proper training and transparent communication for effective bodyguard protection
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
A former security guard attached to former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has spoken out about the difficulties faced by bodyguards.
Source: Youtube
Levis Wandera, a licensed gun holder and close protection operative (CPO), shared his chilling experiences while protecting politicians.
Did Wandera find difficulty in protecting Gachagua?
Speaking during an interview on the Iko Nini Podcast on Sunday, December 21, Wandera described the mistrust that often arises between protectees and their guards, citing his time working with Gachagua.
He claimed the deputy president rarely accepted advice, preferring to make final decisions himself, which sometimes strained communication and trust.
“I am sorry to say this. Riggy G is not someone you can advise. Most of the time, he wants things to go his own way. He is the one who makes the final calls, and in the process, if anything happens, his trust in you is gone. It is his security, but communication is key. If there is a lapse on my side, I have to explain. Lapses mostly occur when you are dealing with a difficult boss or if you are not well-trained to handle the job. Martha Karua was very easy to work with. She is very flexible,” Wandera claimed.
The ex-bodyguard also alleged that he received threats from a General Service Unit (GSU) officer during his tenure as Gachagua’s bodyguard, including messages warning he would ‘end six feet under.’
He recounted incidents of surveillance, such as vehicles parked outside his home and letters thrown into his compound.
“At some point, I was sent a text stating that ‘you will end six feet under or committee.’ We ran the number in the system, and it was from a GSU official. At times, you wake up and find Subarus parked outside your gate or letters thrown inside your compound. I have never understood why I was a problem to them. Right now, I have four OBs from my area police station,” he alleged.
His revelations came months after Gachagua himself claimed assassination attempts during visits to Limuru and Laikipia.
How can bodyguards protect their bosses?
Wandera highlighted the dangers of ‘choke points’ where politicians are most vulnerable, advising that protectees should sit in the back left seat while bodyguards position themselves beside the driver to monitor potential threats.
He further cautioned politicians against rejecting government-assigned security officers in favour of untrained associates, warning that a lack of proper training could compromise safety.
“Some politicians are very stubborn. But I always tell bodyguards not to allow their bosses to sit in the front seat because their role is to protect their lives, and if anything happens, the bodyguard will be the one held responsible,” he emphasised.
Wandera emphasised the need for mandatory CPO training, transparency between protectees and their guards, and reforms to address brokers in the industry who, he said, have undermined professionalism and reduced payments.
MP shot dead while returning from parliament
Elsewhere, the former Kasipul Member of Parliament Ong’ondo Were was murdered along the City Mortuary roundabout on April 30.
Source: Facebook
According to DCI, the MP was trailed from parliament by his suspected assailants who shot him five times, leading to his instant death.
While investigations are still ongoing, several suspects were arrested, and some have been charged with his murder.
Meanwhile, MP Peter Kaluma threatened to name the killers of his counterpart.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
