Concern has been raised over President William Ruto’s security after a dramatic podium breach briefly disrupted his speech during a public event in Kilifi County.
The tense incident unfolded during the thanksgiving ceremony of Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, where President Ruto was addressing residents and local leaders before a young man suddenly made his way toward the podium.
Footage captured at the scene showed the individual bypassing security personnel and advancing toward the president in full view of cameras and the crowd, triggering a moment of panic among officials and attendees.
Security officers immediately rushed to intercept the man, forcing President Ruto to abruptly pause his speech as the situation unfolded beside him. In the confusion, the Head of State appeared momentarily unsettled and nearly lost his footing as officers wrestled the intruder away from the stage.
Witnesses said the president intervened after the man had already been subdued, urging his security detail not to rough him up.
“Leave that young man alone,” Ruto was heard telling officers as the suspect was restrained and removed from the podium area.
Moments later, the president attempted to downplay the incident and reassure the crowd, joking about the disruption while referencing the host of the event.
“That young man has no problem. I think he learned from Fikirini Jacobs not to miss any opportunity. I will deal with him later,” Ruto quipped, drawing laughter from sections of the audience despite the earlier tension.
The latest breach has once again thrown the spotlight on the president’s security arrangements, coming barely three months after a similar incident in Wajir County.
During a February 12 event in Wajir for the disbursement of NYOTA startup funds, another young man reportedly attempted to approach the president from his blind side while he was addressing the crowd. Security officers managed to tackle the individual before he could get close to the Head of State.
Just days earlier, on February 6 in Mombasa, another unidentified man stormed the podium while President Ruto was speaking. On that occasion, however, the president intervened and instructed his security officers to allow the man to speak.
The repeated incidents have intensified scrutiny over the responsiveness and preparedness of the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), especially following an alarming episode in Migori County in May 2025 when a shoe was hurled toward the president during a rally.
Ruto narrowly avoided being struck after instinctively blocking the projectile with his arm, prompting reports that his security detail would undergo major restructuring and reinforcement.
Subsequent public appearances saw tighter crowd-control measures introduced, including stricter restrictions on proximity to the president during rallies and public engagements.
However, the continued security breaches are now raising fresh concerns among Kenyans, with critics questioning how individuals have repeatedly managed to gain close access to one of the country’s most heavily protected leaders.
Also Read: Orengo Confesses Raila Odinga Influenced His Arsenal Loyalty