Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has ordered immediate changes to President William Ruto’s security detail following what the National Police Service described as a serious security breach during a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County.

In a press statement issued on Sunday, May 24, 2026, the National Police Service said the incident occurred during a Thanksgiving event where President Ruto was addressing members of the public.

According to the police, security agencies responded swiftly to contain the situation and restore order, but the breach was described as unacceptable and a matter of national concern.

“The National Police Service wishes to address a serious security breach that occurred today, 24 May 2026, during a thanksgiving event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya, was addressing members of the public,” the statement reads in part.

“Although security agencies responded swiftly and decisively to contain the situation and restore order, any breach involving the security of the President is unacceptable and a matter of the gravest national concern,” the statement read.

Special investigations team formed

IG Kanja announced the immediate formation of a special investigations team to establish how the breach occurred and whether there were failures within the security system.

The Inspector General further confirmed that immediate changes had been made to officers responsible for the president’s protection.

“As the Inspector General of the National Police, I have immediately instituted a special investigations team to conduct a swift, thorough, and uncompromising inquiry into how this breach occurred. I have ordered immediate changes to the security detail responsible for the president’s protection in order to strengthen protocols and seal any existing vulnerabilities,” he stated.

Warning to the public

Police also warned members of the public attending events involving the Head of State and other national leaders to strictly observe all security procedures.

The National Police Service stated that any attempts to breach security arrangements would attract legal consequences.

“Any attempt to breach security will be met with the full force of the law,” the statement warned.

Ruto’s security breach

A young man on Sunday, May 24, 2026, caused panic after he broke through security and approached President Ruto while he was addressing a gathering in Kilifi County.

The incident happened during the Thanksgiving service for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs at Mnagoni Primary School in Bamba, Ganze constituency.

President Ruto was speaking at the podium when the man suddenly moved towards the stage. Security officers quickly stepped in and tackled him before pulling him away from the president.

The brief disruption caused confusion at the event as officers struggled to remove the man from the restricted area. Cameras captured the moment as the president stopped his speech and appeared shaken during the commotion.