A man linked to a recent breach of presidential security that triggered a significant review of the President’s protection protocols has reportedly been offered a job at the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA).
The development has sparked public debate, coming at a time when the country is still reflecting on lapses in high-level security and the subsequent reforms within the presidential escort unit.
The young man was pictured alongside KPA’s Captain William Ruto on May 25, moments after receiving the job offer.
Neither Captain William Ruto nor KPA’s Human Resources department had issued a statement about the role the young man would play at the Mombasa-headquartered parastatal.
Also Read: Who Is William Sawe? From Recce Squad to Presidential Escort Unit Boss
The young man shocked the nation on Sunday, May 24, after he breached four layers of security, including the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), National Intelligence Service (NIS), General Service Unit (GSU), and National Police Service (NPS), to seek an audience with President William Ruto.
At the time, President Ruto was attending a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where he was hosted by Youth Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.
The security breach sparked a national conversation, with many Kenyans raising concerns about whether the President was safe during public appearances.
Even his political nemesis and friend-turned-foe, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, begged security officers entrusted with guarding his former boss to keep the President alive.
“We are deeply concerned about the security of Mr. William Ruto, the President of Kenya. In as much as we want Mr. William Ruto out, we want him out through the ballot on 10th August 2027,” Rigathi Gachagua explained why he prays for Ruto’s good health.
“We do not like Mr. William Ruto. Not a dime. But we are also responsible leaders. In our estimation, we know he has about 2 million Kenyans behind him. If anything happens to him, our nation could be destabilized.”
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police Eliud Lagat immediately swung into action after the young man from Ganze posed a potential risk to the safety of the Head of State.
Also Read: Ruto’s Security Overhauled After Being Attacked by Bible Man
DIG Lagat reshuffled key members of PEU, which appeared to be a move to enhance the security of President William Ruto.
William Sawe was appointed the new Head of the Presidential Escort Unit, and Noah Maiyo, who had been serving in that capacity, was recalled to the Vigilance House.
Additionally, Juda Mathews Gwiyo, who had been serving as the Deputy Commandant, PEU, was sent on compulsory leave pending retirement.
While no law explicitly prohibits citizens from engaging with the President during public appearances, security officers are responsible for ensuring that no one approaches the President without proper vetting.
This ensures that the Head of State, the most guarded person in the republic, does not come into contact with security threats that could result in injury or death.
