The outgoing GSU commandant Ranson Lolmodooni/FILEThe General Service Unit (GSU) has received a new commandant following a senior police reshuffle approved by the National Police Service Board.
According to a deployment letter dated June 10, and signed by Inspector General Douglas Kanja, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Johana Tonui has been appointed the new GSU Commandant with immediate effect.
Tonui moves from the Directorate of Operations within the Kenya Police Service, where he has been serving as an AIG, to take over leadership of the elite paramilitary unit.
Tonui had been seconded to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), where he has been serving as the Director of Wildlife Security.
He replaces Ranson Lolmodooni, who has headed the GSU during a period marked by heightened security operations and increased deployment of the unit in various parts of the country.
Lolmodooni has been the Unit’s commandant since July 12, 2024, after taking over from Lagat (the current DIG).
The changes are part of a broader reorganisation within the National Police Service aimed at strengthening operational efficiency and enhancing service delivery across key departments.
In the reshuffle, AIG Frederick Egesa Nyongesa was moved from the GSU to become the unit's Deputy Commandant, while AIG Paul Maingo Mumo was transferred from the Directorate of Quality Assurance to head the Internal Affairs Unit.
Nyongesa replaces Godhard Kamau.
News GSU Commandant Johana Tonui /HANDOUTThe deployment letter, addressed to Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, states that the transfers were approved by the National Police Service Board and take effect immediately.
The appointment places Tonui at the helm of one of the country's most critical security formations.
The GSU plays a central role in combating terrorism, managing high-risk security operations, protecting key national installations and supporting other security agencies during emergencies.
The unit has also been at the forefront of maintaining public order during major national events and responding to security threats across the country.
Tonui is expected to oversee ongoing reforms within the GSU and strengthen its readiness to respond to complex security situations.
The latest changes are among a series of leadership adjustments undertaken by the Inspector General as part of efforts to align the police service with its strategic priorities and operational needs.
The changes come just a few weeks after Lagat effected a reshuffle in the police service. In the changes, Railway Police Boss Geoffrey Maiyek was moved and appointed the new Central Regional Police Commander (RPC) in a broader realignment within the National Police Service.
In the same reshuffle announced May 18, Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi was transferred and named the new Traffic Commandant. He replaced Fredrick Ochieng, who was recalled to police headquarters at Vigilance House. Lagat also recalled Central RPC Jasper Ombati to headquarters and replaced him with Geoffrey Maiyek.
In further changes, senior officer Johna Chebii, who is based at the General Service Unit and had recently returned from the Haiti peacekeeping mission, was moved to the Eastern Region and appointed Regional Police Commander. Chebii took over from Hillary Birgen, who was also recalled to Vigilance House. Wilberforce Sicharani was named the new Uasin Gishu County Police Commander.
