“President Ruto should allow his security to do his job” — MCA Kebenei calls for urgent overhaul of presidential security system

A Kapseret Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA), Moses Kebenei, has raised serious concerns over what he describes as emerging gaps in the security arrangements of President William Ruto, urging a comprehensive review of the Presidential Security Unit (PSU) to ensure the Head of State is fully protected during public engagements.

Speaking during a press briefing, Kebenei warned that even a minor lapse in presidential protection could have far-reaching consequences for national stability, arguing that the safety of the President is directly tied to the security of the entire country.

“We are not happy with the security of the President and there is clear laxity in the Presidential Security Unit. If the President’s security is compromised, then it means the security of the entire nation is compromised. It creates loopholes that people with ill intentions can easily exploit,” Kebenei said.

He called on the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, together with the Inspector General of Police, to urgently initiate reforms and conduct an operational audit of the unit tasked with protecting the President.

According to Kebenei, the current security setup requires tightening, especially during public events where the President interacts directly with citizens, noting that such moments, while politically important, may expose him to unnecessary risks if not properly managed.

The MCA warned that modern security threats require constant vigilance, pointing out that terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab remain active in the region and could potentially exploit any weaknesses in high-profile security arrangements.

“We cannot assume everything is safe. Even groups like Al-Shabaab are watching. If they identify gaps in how the President is protected, they can take advantage. That is why we need a serious review of the entire system,” he added.

Kebenei further proposed the adoption of stricter crowd-control protocols, suggesting that Kenya could learn from other countries where presidents are kept at a safer distance from the public during rallies and official functions. He cited Uganda as an example, where President Yoweri Museveni maintains a significant buffer zone between himself and crowds during public appearances.

“We should consider adopting systems where there is at least a ten-meter distance between the President and the crowd. Security personnel must have full control of the environment at all times to prevent any breach,” he said.

The MCA also emphasized that presidential security teams must be allowed to execute their duties without interference, arguing that trained officers are best placed to assess risks and determine appropriate security measures during events.

“President Ruto should allow his security to do their job. They are professionals trained for this work. They understand threats better, and they should not be undermined or second-guessed when they are on duty,” Kebenei stated.

His remarks come at a time when public discourse on presidential safety has intensified following recent incidents where individuals managed to breach or approach restricted areas during high-profile events, sparking debate on whether current protocols are sufficiently robust.

Security experts have in the past stressed that while public interaction is an important aspect of democratic leadership, it must be carefully balanced with strict protective measures to avoid exposing national leaders to avoidable risks.

President William Ruto continues to maintain an active public engagement schedule across the country, often holding roadside rallies, development tours, and town hall meetings where he directly interacts with citizens.

Kebenei concluded by urging national security agencies to treat the matter with urgency, insisting that safeguarding the President is not only a matter of protocol but a constitutional responsibility tied to national security and public confidence.