Kenya’s Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered changes to President William Ruto’s security detail after a man accessed the stage and briefly embraced the president during a public event in eastern Kenya on Sunday.
Video shared online shows the man, holding what appears to be a Bible, approaching Ruto as he addressed supporters at a thanksgiving event. Bodyguards intervened and brought the man to the ground. No injuries were reported.
Kanja described the breach as unacceptable and a matter of national concern. He announced the appointment of a new head of the Presidential Escort Unit and said other senior personnel had been removed or placed on leave.
He added that attendees at events involving the president and other national leaders must follow security procedures, and warned that attempts to breach security would be met with legal action.
Ruto appeared calm after the incident, telling security personnel to leave the man alone. The individual has not been named and no arrests have been reported. Police have set up a special team to investigate how he bypassed multiple layers of security.
The incident has raised questions about security at presidential events with large crowds. It follows two other incidents this year, including a similar approach in March and an object thrown toward the president at a rally in May.
A special police team is now reviewing security protocols for public appearances.
