Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Mabona has raised concerns over the security breach that occurred during President William Ruto’s public function in Kilifi County, warning that such incidents should not be taken lightly.

Her reaction followed a dramatic moment on Sunday, May 24, 2026, when a young man broke through security and briefly reached the podium as the president addressed a thanksgiving service for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs at Mnagoni Primary School in Ganze constituency.

Security officers quickly intervened and restrained the man before escorting him away. The interruption caused panic at the venue, forcing the president to pause his speech as officers restored order.

“Eiih! Wachana na huyu kijana!” the President said as officers handled the situation.

The president later tried to calm the crowd and downplay the incident. He suggested the man may have acted out of excitement rather than bad intentions.

“Asante sana. Huyo kijana hana shida. Nafikiri amejifunza kutoka kwa Fikirini Jacobs kwamba nafasi ikipatikana asiipoteze. Huyo kijana, wachana naye, nitamshughulikia baadaye. Ni kijana mzuri. Yeye pia anatafuta bahati yake,” Ruto told the crowd, drawing laughter from some people at the event.

MP warns of security risks

But in her reaction on social media, the Suba North MP said the matter should not be dismissed as harmless.

“The young guy may not have a problem, as the president says, but this is a serious security breach. It may give criminals ideas,” she wrote.

She added that the incident reflects deeper social and economic struggles affecting many young people across the country.

“It, however, highlights what I said yesterday. There is alarming desperation by young people,” she said.

The MP noted that many youths are educated but unemployed, a situation she said is pushing them into difficult living conditions.

“Many are educated but jobless, back in their homes ni kubaya pia. Sick or dead parents and no food,” she said. “We MUST urgently seek a solution.”

Her comments have added to the growing public debate over both presidential security and the wider issue of youth unemployment, which continues to feature prominently in political discussions.

Security analysts say even brief breaches at high-profile events expose gaps that could be exploited if not addressed. In Kilifi, officers managed to contain the situation within seconds, but the disruption was enough to raise concern among leaders and attendees.

This is not the first time a man has attempted to approach the president during a public engagement. In February 2026, a similar incident was reported in Wajir County during a youth empowerment event, where security officers intercepted an individual before he reached the podium.

The Kilifi incident, though contained, has now revived questions over crowd control measures during presidential events and the growing pressure on security agencies to prevent such disruptions while handling crowds in a humane way.