Everyone held their breath as a young man jumped onto the podium yesterday, stood beside the president and grabbed him. The president was addressing a public gathering at the coast.
It was a few long minutes for everyone watching the coast drama unfold yesterday, 24th May, 2026. President Ruto was addressing a meeting at the coast when the unthinkable happened.
A tall, slender, but apparently energetic man appeared from the crowd, jumped onto the podium, and stood beside the president. Within seconds, he had his left arm wrapped around the president’s shoulder. In the man’s right hand was a book that looked like a bible.
Security Officers Pulled Off the Intruder
Soon, the president’s security officers jumped in and pulled the intruder off. Meanwhile, the president remained calm. As he prepared to resume his address, the security officers drove the man off the podium to some place behind the VIP dais.
Adjustment to the President’s Security
Following the incident in Ganze, Kilifi, the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, has made changes to the president’s security detail. He termed the security breach “serious” and of “national concern”.
It has not yet been made public what the young man’s intention was. However, the IG has formed a special team to investigate how the security breach happened.
President Ruto was at a thanksgiving function, courtesy of Fikirini Jacobs, who is the Youth Affairs Principal Secretary.
New Security Appointments
The new commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit is now William Sawe, following several changes made by the Inspector General. Before his new appointment, Sawe was the commanding officer of the elite Recce squad.
He takes over from Noah Maiyo, who is a Senior Assistant Inspector General. Maiyo’s new designation is at Vigilance House, which is the Kenya Police Headquarters.
The changes, which take effect immediately, have Maiyo’s deputy at the Presidential Escort Unit, Juda Matthews Gwiyo, proceeding on leave. Gwiyo is said to be nearing retirement.
Replacing him is George Kirera. Before these changes, Kirera was the Presidential Escort Unit’s staffing officer.
Replacing Sawe at the Recce squad is Josephat Sirma. Sirma is now the commanding officer of the Recce squad.
Security Breaches are Not Unique to Kenya
Sensitive as they are, security breaches are not unique to Kenya. President Donald Trump of the US has had close shaves. At one of his 2024 campaign rallies, someone shot at him as he stood at the podium.
The bullet from the shooter’s rifle grazed Trump’s ear. Meanwhile, the crowd watched his bloodied shirt collar as his security detail led him away.
As for yesterday’s mishap, the young man was very likely harmless. Still, his intentions do not diminish the seriousness of such a security breach.