Ask Onix
Kenya overhauls presidential security after stage breach
Kenya's police chief has dismissed senior members of President William Ruto's security detail following an incident in which an unidentified man reached the president on stage during a public event on Sunday.
Incident details
Footage circulated online shows a man carrying what appears to be a Bible climbing onto the stage where Ruto was addressing supporters in eastern Kenya. The man briefly placed his arm around the president before bodyguards intervened, pushing him to the ground. No injuries were reported.
Police response
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja termed the breach "unacceptable" and a matter of "the gravest national concern." He announced the immediate appointment of a new head of the Presidential Escort Unit, while other senior personnel were either removed or placed on administrative leave.
Kanja emphasized that all individuals attending public events involving the president or other national leaders must adhere to established security protocols. "Any attempt to breach security will be met with the full force of the law," he stated.
Presidential reaction
Ruto appeared unfazed by the incident, publicly urging security personnel to "leave that young man alone," adding that "that young man has no problem." The individual involved has not been named, and no arrests have been made.
Investigation launched
A special police team has been formed to determine how the man bypassed multiple security layers. The probe aims to prevent similar breaches in the future.
Broader security concerns
Sunday's incident has reignited debates about the safety of presidential events, particularly during large public rallies where crowds are in close proximity to the head of state.
The breach follows two recent security lapses: in February 2026, officers intercepted a man attempting to approach Ruto near a podium, and in May 2025, a shoe was thrown at the president during a rally.
