A screengrab of a video of the moment a security officer tackled a man (in black) who stormed the podium and interrupted President William Ruto mid-speech.
Inspector-General (IG) of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered an immediate reconstitution of the presidential security detail following a security breach at a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where President William Ruto was addressing residents.
In a press statement, the IG confirmed that while security agencies swiftly contained the situation and restored order, the incident was considered a serious lapse that raised “gravest national concern,” given its direct implication on the safety of the Head of State.
Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja.
Mr Kanja said he had immediately constituted a special investigations team to establish how the breach occurred and identify any operational weaknesses that may have exposed the President to risk during the event.
While ordering an immediate reshuffle and replacement of the security detail assigned to the President, he said the move was aimed at strengthening protection protocols and sealing any identified vulnerabilities. He added that enhanced measures would be put in place to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The police boss further cautioned members of the public attending presidential and high-level political events to strictly observe established security procedures, warning that any attempt to breach security would be met with “the full force of the law”.
The National Police Service said it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of protection for national leaders while ensuring accountability following the incident.
President Ruto’s security once again came under the spotlight after it was breached during an event in Ganze, Kilifi County.
The President was delivering his speech at the thanksgiving service for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs when a man rushed onto the stage carrying what appeared to be a Bible and put his arm around the Head of State before the security men tackled the man and pulled him away.
Willing to listen
For a moment, President Ruto appeared willing to listen to the man as he leaned towards him. However, security personnel quickly moved in to remove him from the stage.
It took the President’s intervention to stop the officers from roughing up the man, as he was heard urging them to “leave him alone” while helping him back to his feet. He later instructed that the man be given a seat in the VIP section.
“Huyo kijana hana shida nafikiri amejifunza kutoka kwa Fikirini Jacobs, kwamba nafasi ikipatikana asiipoteze. Huyo kijana wachana naye tutamshughulikia baadaye ni kijana mzuri anajitafutia bahati yake (That young man is not a problem, I think he has learned from Fikirini Jacobs that when an opportunity comes, he should not let it slip away. Leave that young man alone, we will sort him out later. He is a good young man trying to create his own opportunities),” the President said in Kiswahili after the brief interruption.
The breach adds to a series of similar incidents in recent months.
Presidential guards restrain a man who tried to force his way onto the dais where President Ruto was addressing residents of Wajir on Thursday.
Most recently, in February, a man breached security and ran toward the President while he was addressing youths at the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) programme in Wajir before being subdued.
Earlier that same month, another man rushed toward the podium during a similar event in Mombasa. In May 2025, a shoe was hurled at President Ruto during a rally in Migori County, in one of the most high-profile security scares of his presidency.
President Ruto is on a five-day development tour of the Coast region since Thursday last week. Speaking at the Sunday event, Dr Ruto urged all Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He said the registration is crucial for the government to capture accurate health data and ensure appropriate interventions where necessary.
“I appeal to everyone to register with SHA so that we have accurate data. We want every Kenyan to be able to go to hospital and not be asked for money because SHA will be able to pay,” he said.
Presidential guards restrain a man who tried to force his way onto the dais where President Ruto was addressing residents of Wajir on Thursday.
According to the latest figures, about 29 million Kenyans are registered with the social health insurer, but only five million are actively making contributions.
The President also reiterated his call for mature politics ahead of the 2027 General Election. He called out politicians who remain stuck in the era of incitement, urging leaders instead to focus on solutions to the country’s challenges.
Meanwhile, Dr Ruto ordered the immediate closure of the Shirango Community Conservancy, which leaders and residents claim has contributed to elephant invasions in parts of Kilifi County.
During his Coast tour, the President has overseen the commissioning of completed projects and laying the foundation to new ones, including roads, markets and Blue Economy initiatives aimed at supporting fishermen.
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