Kenya’s police chief has made major changes to President William Ruto’s security team after a man managed to get close to him during a public event on Sunday. The incident happened at a Thanksgiving gathering in eastern Kenya. Videos shared online showed a man carrying what looked like a Bible walking onto the stage while the president was speaking to supporters. The man briefly placed his arm around Ruto before security officers rushed in.
Bodyguards quickly pulled the man away and forced him to the ground. The president was not injured, and the event continued shortly after the disturbance. Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja called the incident a serious security failure. He said any breach involving the president was unacceptable and described it as a matter of enormous national concern.
Following the incident, several senior security officers were removed from their positions or sent on leave. A new commander has also been appointed to lead the Presidential Escort Unit. Kanja warned the public to follow security rules during events attended by national leaders. He added that anyone attempting to break security measures would face strict legal action.
Despite the scare, Ruto appeared calm. Speaking moments after the incident, he told security officers not to harm the man. He said the young man had done nothing wrong. Authorities have not released the identity of the man. No arrests have been announced so far.
Police have now formed a special investigation team to find out how the man passed through several layers of protection and reached the president. The event has renewed debate about safety at political rallies in Kenya, especially gatherings where large crowds stand close to national leaders.
This was not the first security scare involving Ruto. About three months ago, authorities stopped another young man from approaching the president near a stage. In May 2025, someone also threw a shoe toward him during a rally.
