GSU officers arrested the driver after he reportedly ignored orders to stop and sped towards security barriers at State House Gate D in Nairobi, telling police he wanted to meet President William Ruto.
A man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to force his way into the restricted area of State House in Nairobi while driving a tuk-tuk, triggering a security response at one of the country’s most sensitive government installations.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday afternoon at State House Gate D, where General Service Unit (GSU) officers were manning the entrance.
According to police reports, officers spotted the man attempting to gain unauthorised entry into the restricted area and ordered him to stop. However, he allegedly failed to comply and continued driving at high speed towards barriers near the gate.
The officers subsequently arrested the suspect as security personnel moved to establish the circumstances surrounding the attempted entry.
Suspect allegedly wanted to meet President Ruto
During questioning, the man reportedly told police that he wanted to meet President William Ruto despite not having an official appointment with the Head of State.
He was taken into custody as investigators sought to establish his intentions, why he allegedly ignored instructions from security officers and whether the incident posed a wider security concern.
Security operations were also mounted in the surrounding area as authorities worked to determine the circumstances of the incident.
At the time of publication, it was not immediately clear whether President Ruto was at State House when the incident occurred.
The circumstances surrounding the suspect’s actions, including whether he had attempted to breach the security barriers deliberately, remained under investigation.
State House recently issued warning over alleged impersonation
The incident comes less than a week after State House issued a public warning against a man accused of falsely presenting himself as a representative of the President and First Lady Rachel Ruto.
In a notice published in a local newspaper on October 1, State House warned the public against dealing with Eliel Cheruiyot Kipsang over claims that he was authorised to act on behalf of the Executive Office of the President and the First Lady.
The notice, issued by State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, stated that Kipsang was not an authorised representative, agent or employee of either office.
Members of the public were cautioned against entering into transactions with him, with State House warning that he had no authority to make representations, receive money, enter into agreements or make commitments on behalf of President Ruto or the First Lady.
Although the warning concerned a separate matter, it placed renewed attention on security and the unauthorised use of the names of senior government officials.
Previous deadly incident at State House gate
The latest incident also recalls a security breach reported nearly a year earlier at the same State House entrance along Dennis Pritt Road.
In that incident, a man allegedly attacked a GSU officer with a bow and arrow at the gate. The officer was later reported to have died from his injuries while receiving treatment in hospital.
The incident highlighted the risks faced by security personnel stationed at the entrance to the presidential residence and the importance of maintaining strict access controls.
State House is among Kenya’s most heavily guarded government facilities, with security officers responsible for screening visitors, enforcing access restrictions and responding to potential threats.
Investigations into the latest incident are expected to establish the suspect’s motives and the full sequence of events leading to his arrest.
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