Swiss Guard takes over security as Pope Francis arrives in Kenya

Members of the elite Swiss Guard were vigilant as the plane carrying Pope Francis landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Wednesday.

Kenya security officials said at least 14 Swiss Guard officers have been here in the country for security rehearsals with their Kenyan counterparts.

Dozens of officers from the Presidential Escort Unit have also been deployed to guard the Pope.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard has its origins in the 15th century and its primary duties include accompanying the Pope on his travels, to protect the College of Cardinals during papal transitions, to guard the entrances to the Vatican City and to perform other security and honourary services.

According to www.vatican.va, when the Pope is travelling abroad, the Swiss Guard and Vatican Police work closely with local police and military units to come up with detailed site visit plans, with plenty of contingencies in mind.

Although public movement of the Pope is controlled, for security officials, Pope Francis is a wildcard and has largely disregarded past security operating procedures.

"He is a happy and free man who can rush to a crowd for greetings, stop to kiss a child or acknowledge shouts. We have to ensure all plans are in place," said a security official.

The Pope is normally accompanied by his own security detail, led by Domenico Giani, the inspector general of the Vatican police and security.

In Nairobi, security has been boosted following intelligence reports terror cells may try to make a point in Kenya before, during and after the visit.

According to security officials, the three countries that the Pope will visit, which have significant Catholic communities, have been troubled by civil conflicts and violence, leading to increased security concerns surrounding the visit.

But Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet said adequate security had been put in place.

Apart from the 10,000 police officers, about 10,000 National Youth Service personnel will be available to beef up security.

Police officers from other counties have been deployed to Nairobi to boost security.

Those aware of the preparations say police will guard all the routes the Pope will use during his visit here.

"Police will be deployed on major routes to control crowds as the Pope moves around. We will not leave anything to chance at all," Nairobi police boss Japheth Koome said ahead of the Pope's arrival.