The Land Cruiser 300 series is a redesigned version of the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser, which is known for its off-road capabilities and durability.
The car is estimated to retail at upwards of Sh23 million and has been also adopted by other senior government officials such as Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and Chief Justice Martha Koome to name a few.
The armored version of the Land Cruiser 300 series is designed to provide 360-degree protection for the head of state.
The vehicle is equipped with advanced security features and reinforced parts to ensure the safety of the president as well as comfort.
The vehicle delivers powerful performance and exceptional off-road maneuverability.
In addition to the new armored Toyota Land Cruiser 300 series VX-R, the presidential fleet also includes several Land Cruiser 200 series, Ruto's iconic Lexus 570, Mercedes Benz sedans and a Mercedes Benz Limousine.
Functions of cars in President Ruto's motorcade
According to security experts, the number of cars and structures is dependent on President Ruto’s itinerary and level of the risk.
Before embarking on the road, the team has to strategize on which routes to take and analyze their choke points, shortcuts and details such as the sun’s position because direct rays can make it harder to spot threats.
Which cars make up the presidential motorcade?
As much as the travel arrangements are meant to keep President Ruto safe, the presidential motorcade is almost a tradition.
It is also a travelling show orchestrated to be a symbol of power for Kenyans to admire.
Everyone involved in the making of this motorcade is supposed to be the best at what they do.
1. Route Car & Pilot Car
This car is usually minutes ahead of the presidential convoy and is supposed to recce the route to be used and provide insights about the road to the rest of the team.
If there are potholes or crowds along the route, the officers in the car communicate this to the motorcade behind in order to prepare any reaction in good time.
For long travels, the route car is the very first one and is minutes ahead while the pilot car is the next vehicle that follows.
2. Sweepers
Sweepers are police motorcycles which follow behind and this team may also comprise officers in cars. The outriders travel in a diamond formation and clear the way so that the motorcade’s speed remains consistent.
Imagine a situation where the head of state is sipping some water inside the car and it spills over. That would mean the speed is not consistent and the driver is driving aggressively.
The flashing lights and occasional sirens are meant to keep the road clear so that the whole motorcade can remain at a consistent speed.
3. Lead Car
The lead car is usually the brain of the operation. Many times the leader of the president’s escort team rides in this car.
In some circumstances, the lead car can be beside the president’s vehicle while another car also covers the other side.
4. President’s Vehicle
This is the car which carries the president. Depending on a number of factors some times there are two of the president's vehicles in the convoy.
The cars are armoured and specially designed to keep bullets and explosives away.
Once the motorcade starts moving, the first rule is to not stop. Drivers are allowed to drive quickly but the experience has to be smooth.
5. Back-up Officers
The cars that follow have additional security officers. Some are in uniform while others wear civilian clothes.
As was witnessed during a past security breach, officers who rushed to intercept a man who blocked the motorcade jumped out of the Toyota Landcruisers which followed the president’s car.
They are basically the President's first line of backup should something occur while en route.
6. Electronic Countermeasures Vehicle
This vehicle has long vertical aerials and domes which are used to jam communications and remote detonating devices.
7. Control Vehicle & Support Vehicles
The vehicles carry high-value staff, such as members of the President's cabinet who may be accompanying him and their security detail, as well as additional security personnel such as military commanders.
The motorcade also includes an armoury containing weapons, an ambulance and a vehicle for the communications unit.