Why Uhuru's Aide-de-Camp Accompanied Ruto to Ethiopia

Timothy Lekolool, former Aide de Camp, was part of the itinerary that accompanied President William Ruto on his maiden trip to Ethiopia on Thursday, October 6.

Lekolool, who served under former President Uhuru Kenyatta, donned a suit rather than his signature white Kenya Navy uniform in Ruto’s meeting with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. 

Newly appointed Aide de Camp, Colonel Fabian Lengusuranga of the Kenya Army assumed the position behind Ruto while Lekolool flanked on the side.

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Simiyu Werunga, the executive director at Geneva Centre for Africa Security, explained that Lekolool’s presence in Ruto’s itinerary was key due to his understanding of international protocols.

Photo collage between former Aide De Camp Timothy Lekolool and newly appointed Aide De Camp Fabian Lengusuranga with President William Ruto and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

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He argued that Uhuru’s Aide De Camp was well acquainted and thus helped Ruto manoeuvre, including offering him key tips on inspecting the guard of honour in Ethiopia.

Werunga further explained that Lekolool was also inducting his successor, Col Lengusuranga, on international security protocols, including liaising with Ethiopia’s military officials. 

“Lekolool had to accompany Uhuru because of his experience serving under Uhuru. Ruto needed someone with requisite knowledge and experience to help him properly execute his duties while in Ethiopia,” the security expert told Kenyans.co.ke.

“I also think he decided to pick him to pass down knowledge on Lengusuranga before fully handing over the files. You know, every piece of information being passed by the President needs to be fluid. So Ruto needed him for that,” he added. 

Lengusuranga also learnt how to usher Ruto into his motorcade during foreign trips. 

Part of the roles the new aide de camp will further play include being the detail leader, tactical commander, motorcade lead, advance lead, mobile agent, static agent and protective intelligence agent in Ruto’s team.

Lengusuranga will be deputised by Damaris Agnetta from Kenya Army, taking over from Racheal Nduta Kamui, who was promoted to full Colonel. 

Werunga, however, dispelled reports that Lekolool was part of the team that shared daily security briefs with the President.

“Chief of Defense Robert Kibochi plays that role among other members of National Intelligence. Aide de camp majorly carries President’s personal effects,” he added.

Lekolool, who served Uhuru from July 2018 and September 2022, was promoted to Brigadier and redeployed to the Department of Defence headquarters.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta with former Aide De Camp Timothy Lekolool.

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