By Cyrus Ombati

The dreaded General Service Unit (GSU) is about to turn on a new leaf and be more disciplined.

The new man at the helm took office yesterday and promised to make the unit better.

GSU Commandant William Saiya pledged to instill discipline in the outfit, which has in the past been blamed for a number of crimes.

He takes over from Mr Mathew Iteere, who was appointed Police Commissioner two weeks ago.

Mr Saiya is not new to GSU and his 28 years in the unit, strengthens his commitment to deliver.

When he was named the GSU boss, Saiya was in the field laying out new strategies of curbing cattle rustling.

During this season cattle theft incidents usually increase.

As the former head of Anti-Stock Unit, Saiya was in Gilgil talking to his officers and urging them to be on alert for more cattle rustling attacks.

Officers who were with him said he could not hide his joy over the promotion and promised to deliver.

GSU Commandant William Saiya promises more disciplined unit. [PHOTO: SAIDI HAMIS/ STANDARD]

Yesterday, Saiya handed over at the Anti-Stock Theft Unit headquarters in Gilgil to his successor Remmi Ngugi.

And as he prepares to takeover at GSU headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi, the big question is: Will he deliver and change the negative image many have of the unit?

His colleagues and juniors described Saiya as hard- working and a career GSU officer who insists on professionalism.

Politics aside

"As long as the management of the unit is not politicised, I believe he will deliver. He is a hard worker trained as a paramilitary policeman," a colleague, who asked not to be named, said.

Others described him as straight forward, and follows Force Standing Orders when it comes to discipline.

Saiya told The Standard he is equal to the task and raring to run GSU according to the law.

"I believe I can do it together with my colleagues. I have been in the GSU for years now, and I know I can make it," he said.

Born 47 years ago in western Kenya, Saiya joined the GSU in 1981, and graduated six months later, after a paramilitary training at the GSU Training College in Embakasi.

He was deployed to the elite Recce Company in Ruiru, which protects the President, his family and other dignitaries, where he served for about a decade.

While with Recce Company, he went for various courses in Britain, US, and Israel where he trained in paramilitary management.

Good manager

In Britain, he went to the Warminster School of Infantry where he trained on managerial courses.

The father of three rose through the ranks to commandant of the GSU Training School.

He was later moved to GSU headquarters in Ruaraka and deployed as the General Staffing Officer.

Saiya was then moved to the field as a company commander where he stayed for a year, before being moved to the Anti-Stock Theft Unit as the commandant.

Previous GSU commandants include Mr Lawrence Mwadime (2003-2005), Mr David Kimaiyo (2002-2003), Mr Samson Cheramboss (1999-2002) and Charles Kimurgo (1993-1999).

Several commanders had been interviewed for the post at Police headquarters before Saiya clinched the hot seat.

Now the ball is in his court and the big challenge begins in tackling soaring crime.