By OMOLO PAKISTAN: A security scare unfolded in Kilifi County on Sunday afternoon after an unidentified young man breached the presidential security barrier, directly approaching President William Ruto while he was addressing a public gathering.

The incident occurred during a Thanksgiving ceremony held in honor of Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs.

The President was in the middle of his speech when the dramatic intrusion caught both the audience and security detail off guard.

Podium breach

In scenes captured on camera and witnessed by hundreds of attendees, the man managed to bypass the outer security perimeter and advance straight toward the main podium.

The unexpected breach triggered immediate confusion, forcing the Head of State to abruptly halt his remarks as elite security personnel rushed to restrain the man and escort him away from the stage.

Despite the palpable tension in the air, President Ruto intervened to stop his security team from using excessive force.

“Leave that young man alone,” the President directed as officers led the man away.

Moments later, Ruto diffused the tension by joking about the incident, drawing laughter from the crowd.

“That young man has no problem. I think he learnt from Fikirini Jacobs not to miss any opportunity. I will deal with him later,” Ruto said, seamlessly pivoting back to his address.

Continual President Ruto’s security lapse

This is not the first time President Ruto’s close protection team has been put to the test during public engagements.

The breach mirrors a strikingly similar incident that occurred in February at the Jomo Kenyatta Showground in Mombasa.

During that event, where the President was presiding over the disbursement of Sh147 million in NYOTA business start-up capital, a casual remark from the podium inadvertently triggered a security scare.

While engaging the crowd, Ruto had asked a rhetorical question: “Wapi mtu wa mwisho hapa (Where is the last person)?”

Taking the cue literally, a man later identified as Jeremiah emerged from the crowd and dashed toward the dais, catching security officers flat-footed.

Just as they did in Kilifi, security aides moved swiftly to intercept the intruder, but Ruto once again intervened.

This latest breach in raises fresh concerns over the proximity unauthorized individuals are managing to gain to the Head of State during public rallies.