Former Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho has strongly criticized the handling of President William Ruto’s security following a breach during a public event in Bamba, Kilifi County, on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
The incident, which drew widespread public attention, involved a man breaking through the presidential security detail and getting dangerously close to the Head of State during a public gathering. The breach sparked debate over the effectiveness of the president’s protection team and the broader management of high-profile security operations.
Speaking during a television interview on Wednesday night, May 27, 2026, Kibicho described the incident as unprecedented, questioning how security officers allowed repeated exposure of the president in crowded public settings.
“I worked in the security sector for seven years. What we are seeing is unprecedented; there is no possible explanation one can give because when one is the president, that is a symbol of national unity,” Kibicho said.
The former Interior Ministry official further argued that such a lapse would not have occurred during his tenure, emphasizing the importance of strict coordination and preventive measures in presidential security arrangements.
Kibicho’s remarks have intensified discussions surrounding the safety of national leaders during public engagements, especially in highly populated political rallies and development tours. Security experts have also weighed in, warning that breaches involving a sitting president raise concerns about operational preparedness and crowd control procedures.
The government has yet to release a detailed report explaining how the individual managed to bypass the president’s security cordon. However, the incident has continued to generate political reactions, with both critics and supporters of the administration debating the competence of the current security structure.
President Ruto has maintained an active public engagement schedule across the country, frequently interacting directly with citizens during rallies and inspections of government projects.
