Ruto’s escort commander dropped after Kilifi security breach
By Kenneth Mwenda, May 24, 2026The police have reshuffled President William Ruto’s security team following a security breach in Kilifi County, where a young man broke through the presidential cordon and reached the podium while the Head of State was addressing the public.
In changes announced on Sunday night, May 24, 2026, Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) Commandant Noah Maiyo was redeployed to Vigilance House at Kenya Police Headquarters.
William Sawe, who had been serving as commanding officer of the Recce subunits, was appointed the new commandant of the Presidential Escort Unit.
The changes were signed off by Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat and take effect immediately. Other changes include:
The Deputy Commandant PEU, Juda Mathews Gwiyo, was directed to proceed on leave pending retirement.
George Kirera, who served as Staffing Officer Personnel at PEU, was appointed Deputy Commandant PEU.
Josphat Sirma was moved from Deputy Commanding Officer of the Recce Sub Unit to Commanding Officer of the same unit.
Rere Kipkoech was redeployed from Deputy SOB1 to Kenya Police Headquarters – Vigilance.
The reshuffle came hours after a security scare during a Thanksgiving service for Youth Affairs Principal Secretary Fikirini Jacobs at Mnagoni Primary School in Bamba, Ganze constituency.
President Ruto was addressing residents when a young man suddenly forced his way through security officers and rushed towards the podium.
Officers quickly tackled the man and dragged him away from the stage as panic spread among leaders and members of the public attending the event.
Cameras captured the president stopping his speech during the commotion as officers struggled to restrain the intruder.
At one point, Ruto nearly lost his footing as security officers pushed the man away from the podium.
The president then stepped in and asked officers not to rough up the man.
“Eiih! Wachana na huyu kijana!” Ruto said.
After calm returned, the president attempted to downplay the incident and told the crowd that the young man did not appear dangerous.
“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.
Security concerns
The incident has raised fresh concerns about security at presidential events, especially during public rallies where large crowds gather close to the president.
Sunday’s breach came barely three months after another man attempted to approach Ruto during an event in Wajir County on February 12, 2026.
In that incident, security officers intercepted a young man who approached the president from the side of the podium while he addressed residents during the disbursement of NYOTA funds.
The latest changes within the Presidential Escort Unit appear to be a direct response to the repeated breaches.