Security around Kenya President William Ruto has been beefed up after a bible wielding man beat his protection protocol and hugged him on stage during a Church service.
President Ruto was addressing a crowd of supporters Sunday in the eastern part of the country during thanksgiving when the incident occurred. Security guards quickly pushed the man to the ground.
No-one was hurt but police Insp Gen Douglas Kanja described any security breach involving the president as “unacceptable” calling it a matter of “the gravest national concern”.
A new head of the Presidential Escort Unit has been appointed, while other senior personnel have been removed or placed on leave.
Kanja also said that anyone at public events involving the president or other national leaders must stick to security procedures, adding that “any attempt to breach security will be met with the full force of the law”.
Ruto appeared unruffled by the incident saying immediately afterwards: “Leave that young man alone. That young man has no problem.” The man has not been named and no arrests have been reported.
The police have formed a special team to investigate how the man managed to bypass multiple layers of security.
Sunday’s breach comes barely three months after a similar incident when security officers intercepted a young man who approached the president near the podium.
In May 2025, a shoe was thrown toward the head of state during a rally. With BBC reports
Ruto and his unwanted guest.