KILIFI, Kenya — A brief security scare unfolded in Kilifi County on Sunday after a young man breached security and approached President William Ruto while he was delivering a public address.
The incident occurred during a thanksgiving ceremony held in honour of Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs, where the President was addressing residents and leaders.
In scenes witnessed by attendees and captured on video, the man managed to make his way toward the podium as the Head of State was mid-speech, prompting a swift response from members of his security detail.
Security officers quickly moved in to restrain and escort him away from the stage, causing a brief interruption and momentary confusion at the event.
President Ruto, however, intervened and urged security officers not to use force against the young man.
“Leave that young man alone,” he said as officers led him away.
Moments later, the President sought to calm the crowd, downplaying the incident and suggesting the man may have been acting out of excitement.
“That young man has no problem. I think he learnt from Fikirini Jacobs not to miss any opportunity. I will deal with him later,” Ruto said, drawing laughter from sections of the audience.
The motive behind the intrusion was not immediately established, and authorities had not issued any official statement by Sunday evening.
The Kilifi incident is the latest in a series of close-access security lapses involving the President during public engagements.
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In February, a similar episode unfolded in Mombasa during the Nyota youth empowerment programme at the Jomo Kenyatta Showground, where a man suddenly ran toward the dais as the President addressed thousands of beneficiaries.
Security officers moved to intercept him, but Ruto briefly intervened, instructing them to allow the man to speak.
“Habari yako boss, wachana naye,” the President said at the time, before engaging the man in a light exchange that drew laughter from the crowd.
The man, identified as Jeremiah, was briefly questioned on stage as the President sought to calm tensions and maintain order in the event.
Authorities have not indicated whether the two incidents are connected or whether additional security reviews are underway following the latest breach.
