WAJIR, Kenya — A security scare briefly disrupted President William Ruto’s address in Wajir on Thursday after a man ran toward the dais during a public event, prompting swift intervention from security officers and an immediate investigation by the National Police Service (NPS).
The incident occurred during the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme, where the President was speaking to residents.
According to a statement issued late Thursday by NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, officers attached to the Presidential Security Team and other units responded within moments, intercepting the individual before he could reach the Head of State.
“The National Police Service wishes to state unequivocally that at no time was the safety of His Excellency the President, other dignitaries, or members of the public compromised,” Nyaga said.
He added that officers acted “with the utmost professionalism and speed to de-escalate the situation and restore order.”
The man was apprehended at the scene and the event resumed shortly afterward without further interruption.
Investigation launched
Despite assurances that no one was in danger, authorities have moved to review the breach.
Nyaga confirmed that Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has formed a special team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The individual involved was swiftly apprehended, and the event proceeded without further interruption. The Inspector General of Police, Mr Douglas Kanja, has formed a team to conduct an inquiry into the matter within three days, to identify any procedural gaps that may have contributed to this breach, and to take immediate remedial measures,” stated Nyaga.
The team has been tasked with submitting findings within three days, focusing on identifying potential security lapses and recommending corrective measures.
Security around the President is typically layered, involving advance reconnaissance, perimeter control, access screening and close protection units. Even minor disruptions are treated as serious operational concerns due to the potential risks involved.
Suspect speaks
The man, identified as Ahmed Muhumed, later told Citizen TV that he had no harmful intentions and only sought an opportunity to address the President.
“Mimi nilitaka kuongea na Rais kwa sababu nasimama kiti ya MCA huko kwetu,” said Ahmed Muhumed.
He indicated that he did not regret his actions, appearing unaware of the gravity of breaching a presidential security perimeter.
Second incident in a week
The Wajir incident comes less than a week after a similar security scare in Mombasa during another NYOTA event at the Jomo Kenyatta Showground.
On that occasion, a man ran toward the podium from the front, stumbling over it before officers from the Presidential Security Unit restrained him.
Also Read: Ruto rejects ‘meeting al-Shabab’, announces Madaraka Day for Northeastern
While no injuries were reported in either case, the back-to-back incidents are likely to prompt heightened scrutiny of event security protocols during presidential tours, particularly large public gatherings.
The NYOTA programme is a flagship youth empowerment initiative aimed at expanding economic opportunities for young people across Kenya. The President has been using the platform to engage directly with communities, drawing large crowds in multiple counties.
Public security experts note that open-access political events present inherent challenges, balancing accessibility with protective measures.
The outcome of the police inquiry is expected to determine whether procedural adjustments will be implemented in upcoming presidential engagements.
