A security breach marred a public event in Ganze on Sunday afternoon when an unidentified man carrying a Bible managed to reach President William Ruto on the main dais and briefly embrace him before security officers intervened.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 2:30 p.m. during a thanksgiving ceremony for Youth Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, has raised fresh questions about the adequacy of presidential security protocols during public engagements.
Eyewitnesses and video footage show the man emerging from a crowd of several thousand residents, walking unchallenged onto the stage where the President was delivering remarks, and approaching the Head of State while clutching a Bible.
“Can I hold you?” the man is heard asking in the footage.
“Yes,” President Ruto responded.
The man then wrapped his left arm around the President in what appeared to be an embrace before security personnel moved swiftly to separate them.
The breach triggered immediate alarm among the presidential security detail, who rushed to shield Mr. Ruto and remove the intruder from the stage.
Despite the apparent security lapse, President Ruto appeared unruffled by the incident and instructed his security team to exercise restraint.
“Leave him alone. Leave that young man alone. He doesn’t have a problem,” the President told officers as they attempted to escort the man away.
“I think he has learned from Fikirini Jacobs that when an opportunity presents itself, take it. So leave him, he is a good man. I will take care of him later,” Ruto added in remarks that prompted laughter from the crowd.
The man was subsequently removed from the dais without incident. No injuries were reported, and the event resumed shortly afterward.
Sunday’s breach is the third security scare involving President Ruto in recent months at presidential events.
In February, a man attempted to rush toward the President during a public tour in Wajir County but was intercepted by security officers before making contact.
In May 2025, a shoe was thrown at Mr. Ruto during a rally in Kehancha as he addressed residents on agricultural costs. Security officers subdued the suspect, though the President later ordered his release before continuing with his speech.
Security analysts say the recurring incidents point to systemic weaknesses in presidential protection arrangements, particularly during outdoor events with large, unscreened crowds.
“The fact that an individual can walk from the crowd onto the dais and make physical contact with the President represents a serious failure of perimeter security,” said Dr. James Owino Mwangi, a security consultant and former police commander.
“While we appreciate the President’s desire to remain accessible to ordinary citizens, there must be robust protocols to ensure his safety without compromising that accessibility.”
Dr. Mwangi called for enhanced screening procedures, tighter access control, and improved coordination among security agencies responsible for presidential protection.
