National Police Service Condemns Security Breach During President Ruto Event In Ganze
News Updated: 24 May 2026 22:09 EAT
IG Douglas Kanja orders changes in President Ruto's security after breach in Kilifi
The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned a major security breach that occurred during President William Samoei Ruto’s thanksgiving ceremony in Ganze, Kilifi County. The incident happened on Sunday, May 24, during a public event attended by hundreds of residents and leaders from the Coast region.
President Ruto had attended the thanksgiving ceremony organised in honour of Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs at Mnagoni Primary School in Bamba, Ganze Constituency. The Head of State was addressing the gathering when the incident unfolded.
According to witnesses and videos circulating online, a young man carrying a Bible suddenly broke through the security cordon and rushed toward the presidential podium. The man managed to get close to President Ruto before security officers reacted.
Footage from the scene showed the man asking the President, “Can I hold you?” before briefly grabbing him. President Ruto reportedly responded calmly as security officers moved swiftly to restrain and remove the man from the dais.
The brief incident caused panic among leaders and members of the public attending the event. Security officers quickly surrounded the President as the crowd watched the dramatic scene unfold during the live function.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja later issued an official statement describing the breach as a serious matter of national concern. He said any compromise involving the safety of the Head of State was unacceptable.
The police boss announced the immediate formation of a special investigations team to establish how the suspect managed to bypass the heavily guarded presidential security arrangements. The team is expected to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
Kanja also confirmed that immediate changes had been made within the presidential security detail following the embarrassing breach. He said the move was aimed at sealing existing vulnerabilities and strengthening operational protocols.
The National Police Service further warned members of the public attending events involving national leaders to strictly comply with security procedures. Police warned that future attempts to breach security would attract serious legal consequences.
Despite the security scare, President Ruto appeared calm during the incident and reportedly asked officers not to rough up the young man. The President later continued with his speech after normalcy returned at the venue.
Security analysts have since raised concerns over the increasing number of security scares involving the President during public engagements. Some experts say the latest incident exposed weaknesses in crowd control and perimeter management during political gatherings.
The Ganze incident adds to previous security scares witnessed during President Ruto’s recent public tours in parts of the country, including Wajir and Mombasa, where individuals attempted to move close to the Head of State during rallies.
No injuries were reported during the Ganze incident and authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect was arrested or questioned after being removed from the stage. Investigations into the incident remain ongoing.
President Ruto is currently on an extended development tour of the Coast region where he is launching government projects and attending political and community engagements ahead of his continued nationwide mobilisation activities.
Tags: Article Douglas Kanja Edit Editor's Pick Editors choice Felix Makona National Police National Police Service National Police Service News Article President William Ruto Ruto Signs Signs Media Kenya Limited Signs Tv Signsmedia Signstv Signstvkenya William Ruto
Share this article
FELIX MAKONA
FACT FINDER AND DATA DRIVEN JOURNALIST. DATA MINING AT IT'S BEST. GET FACTS RANGING FROM MATTERS DISABILITY AND INCLUSION, POLITICS, ECONOMY, SPORTS AND GENERAL NEWS AROUND THE WORLD