Former GSU commandant Ranson Lolmodooni with his successor Johana Tonui and US embassy officials on June 26, 2026/NPS
The United States Embassy in Nairobi on Friday hosted a farewell luncheon for outgoing General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Ranson Lolmodooni, reaffirming its commitment to continued security cooperation with Kenya following his retirement.
The luncheon, held at the Chief of Mission's residence in Muthaiga, brought together senior officials from the US Embassy and the General Service Unit to celebrate Lolmodooni's years of service while underscoring the longstanding partnership between the two countries on security matters.
Speaking during the event, Lolmodooni thanked the US government for its sustained collaboration with the GSU through the National Police Service, saying the partnership had strengthened the unit's operational capacity over the years.
He called for deeper cooperation between the two sides, noting that enhanced support would bolster the GSU's ability to execute its mandate of safeguarding Kenya's internal security.
"I appreciate the continued partnership the US Embassy has maintained with the GSU through the National Police Service. We look forward to an even stronger relationship that will continue supporting the unit in its core responsibility of enhancing Kenya's internal security," Lolmodooni said.
The outgoing commandant also wished his successor success, expressing confidence that the strong ties between the GSU and the US Embassy would continue to grow.
US Embassy Regional Security Officer Corryn Stratton hailed the close working relationship the mission has enjoyed with the elite police unit, saying the collaboration has yielded significant benefits for both institutions.
Former GSU commandant Ranson Lolmodooni (left) with US Embassy Regional Security Officer Corryn Stratton and new GSU commandant Johana Tonui/NPS
She expressed optimism that the partnership would continue under the new leadership.
"We appreciate the strong partnership we have enjoyed with the GSU over the years. It has been mutually beneficial, and we look forward to building on that cooperation in the years ahead," Stratton said.
The event also served as an opportunity for the embassy to welcome the incoming GSU Commandant, Johana Tonui, as both sides pledged to sustain collaboration in areas of security, capacity building and professional development.
Among the US Embassy officials who attended the luncheon were Deputy Regional Security Officer Justin Geinert, Assistant Regional Security Officer Jonathan Welch, SPEAR Mentor Tarrol Peterson and Senior Foreign Service National Investigator Julius Norberts.
Lolmodooni was accompanied by the new GSU Commandant Johana Tonui, Deputy Commanding Officer of the GSU Recce Tactical Sub-unit Jeremy Ndegwa, Officer Commanding Unit Police and VIP Protection Siyad Abdi and other senior GSU officers.
The GSU remains one of Kenya's elite security formations, playing a key role in counterterrorism operations, protection of critical installations, VIP security and the maintenance of public order.
GSU officers are also deployed to guard foreign diplomatic missions, including embassies and high commissions, as part of Kenya's broader security arrangements.
The US has maintained a longstanding partnership with the GSU and other agencies under the National Police Service through training, technical support and capacity-building programmes aimed at strengthening Kenya's ability to respond to emerging security threats and enhance regional stability.
Tonui was named the new commandant in a deployment letter dated June 10 and signed by Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
