In a rare display of informality, President William Ruto momentarily broke protocol on Thursday, instructing his security team to step aside and allow the gathered crowd to approach him.
This happened after some security officers attempted to push away enthusiastic residents who wanted to interact with him.
The incident took place in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, where Ruto had just laid the foundation stone for the Engineer Modern Market.
As his security detail tried to prevent people from getting near his motorcade, Ruto intervened and reprimanded them for being too forceful.
Among those attempting to control the crowd were Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers dressed in their ranger uniforms.
They had initially blocked residents from moving closer to the President. However, the situation escalated when one officer was seen slapping some of the residents who were eager to get near Ruto.
Noticing the commotion, the President stepped in firmly, addressing the officer directly. “You, soldier, leave the citizens alone.
Let them come forward; they are here for a meeting,” Ruto stated, drawing loud applause from the gathered crowd.
Following his intervention, the thrilled residents surged past the temporary barricades set up by the KWS officers and other security personnel.
Mixed Reactions During Ruto’s Mt. Kenya Tour
The incident occurred on the third day of Ruto’s tour of the Mt. Kenya region, a visit that sparked varied reactions among both residents and politicians.
His trip came amid speculations of a growing rift between him and his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, a factor that has influenced political tensions in the region.
Earlier, the Majority Leader of the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung’wah, faced a hostile reception during one of the public meetings.
As he attempted to address the crowd in the presence of the President, he was met with loud jeers and whistles, momentarily disrupting his speech.
Videos shared by Kenyans.co.ke showed a frustrated crowd openly expressing their discontent, making it difficult for Ichung’wah to continue speaking.
However, undeterred by the hostility, he pushed back against the hecklers. “Let me tell you, no one can shout me down. I cannot be intimidated,” he declared.
Before concluding his speech, Ichung’wah issued a bold statement, turning to the President and saying, “I want to tell you, President Ruto, that here in Ol Kalou and the whole of Nyandarua, no one can intimidate me.”
Ruto Announces Establishment of Nyandarua University
Despite the political tensions, Ruto used the tour to make a significant announcement regarding higher education in Nyandarua County.
He revealed that the government had officially gazetted the establishment of Nyandarua University, a new institution that is expected to admit its first batch of students by September this year.
Speaking in Ol Kalou Town, Ruto emphasized the importance of the new university in expanding education opportunities for local students.
He assured residents that the government had already given full approval for the institution and that necessary preparations were underway to ensure it starts operating as planned.
With this development, Nyandarua residents can now look forward to having a higher learning institution within their county, reducing the need for students to travel long distances in search of university education.
Join Gen z and millennials TaskForce official 2025 WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time the ongoing situation https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
