President William Ruto was briefly forced to stop his speech in Wajir County after a man breached security and ran toward him at the podium during the disbursement of the Nyota funds.
The incident unfolded at Wajir Stadium on February 12, as the Head of State addressed a crowd attending the Nyota Capital disbursement forum.
Later, a man dressed in a white shirt and blue jeans emerged from behind and charged toward the podium.
Members of the presidential security team, including the aide-de-camp, quickly subdued the man and removed him from the podium, prompting the president to pause his address.
Ruto was heard asking security officers to leave the man alone as leaders on the podium and members of the public watched.
He later resumed his speech, with security personnel forming a human shield between him and the thousands of youths who had turned up for the programme.
Speaking to the media, the man, identified as Abdi, said he had no ill intentions toward the President.
He described himself as an aspirant in the 2027 elections and said he only intended to greet the president and share his ambition of becoming a Member of County Assembly (MCA).
“I only wanted to greet him and share with him my ambition of the 2027 election. As I already told you, I’m an aspirant,” he said.
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NPS Confirms Security Incident During NYOTA Event in Wajir
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed a security incident at the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) event in Wajir County, which Ruto attended.
In a statement on February 12, NPS maintained that at no time was the safety of the president, other dignitaries, or members of the public compromised.
“The National Police Service (NPS) acknowledges a security incident that occurred today during the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) event in Wajir County. The event was graced by His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, C.G.H., President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces,” read part of the statement.
According to the police, the Presidential Security Team and officers deployed at the venue acted swiftly and professionally to de-escalate the situation and restore order.
NPS added that the individual involved was immediately apprehended, and the event continued without further disruption.
Further, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has constituted a team to investigate the matter within three days.
The inquiry will seek to determine whether procedural gaps may have contributed to the breach and recommend immediate remedial measures.
The NPS reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
Ruto’s Security Scare
However, this is not the first time the President has faced a security breach.
On February 6, a brief security incident unfolded in Mombasa when an unidentified man ran toward President William Ruto as he addressed beneficiaries of the Nyota youth empowerment programme.
A man identified as Jeremiah suddenly emerged from the crowd and ran toward the dais, catching security officers off guard.
As the individual approached the podium, security aides quickly moved in to restrain him.
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In May 2025, while speaking in Migori County, a person from the crowd threw a shoe, hitting Ruto on the head.
Security officers assigned to protect the president swiftly moved onto the stage, causing a brief disruption to the meeting.
The team also tried to push the crowd back from the podium, but the president intervened, instructing them to stop.
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