Mixed Reactions as Ruto’s Security Team Roughly Seizes Woman’s Phone During Nairobi Event
A video showing President William Ruto’s security team roughly taking away a woman’s phone during a trade fair at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi has caused an uproar online, drawing mixed reactions from Kenyans.
The viral footage captured the President touring an exhibition booth set up by a group from Rwanda. In the clip, Ruto can be seen interacting with one of the women at the stand, while another woman nearby recorded the exchange using her phone.
However, moments later, a male security officer swiftly approached the woman filming and forcefully grabbed the phone from her hands.
The sudden move shocked onlookers, who watched as the officer walked away with the device. Despite the incident unfolding just a few steps away, President Ruto appeared calm and did not react to the commotion.
The short one-minute video has since generated heated discussions online. Many Kenyans expressed differing opinions on whether the bodyguard’s actions were justified. Some argued that the officer was right to act quickly in protecting the President, while others condemned the move as an unnecessary show of force and a violation of personal freedom.
Critics accused the officer of infringing on the woman’s rights, insisting that recording a public event should not be considered a security threat. “This is a clear abuse of power. She was just taking a video of her President,” one user commented.
On the other hand, supporters of the security team defended the officer’s actions, claiming the woman breached official protocol.
“She went against the established security rules. The officer simply maintained order,” one person wrote online. Another added, “It’s unfortunate, but security protocols around a sitting President must be respected.”
Still, a few Kenyans used humor and sarcasm to criticize the situation. One social media user quipped, “Is this the Bottom-Up model he promised us? Will she get her phone back now?”
During the same event—attended by several senior government officials, including Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya—President Ruto appeared to avoid shaking hands with attendees, a move that some observers interpreted as part of strict security measures.
While such confrontations are not common, it is not the first time Ruto’s security has had to respond firmly to breaches of protocol. Earlier this year, in May, another incident occurred in Kibera where a woman attempted to hold onto the President’s hand during a handshake.
Video footage from that event showed the woman stretching out her hand to greet the President as he moved through a crowd on May 23.
One of the bodyguards immediately intervened, trying to push her away. However, the woman continued holding onto Ruto’s hand, momentarily throwing him off balance before the officers stepped in to restore order.
These repeated incidents have sparked conversations about the delicate balance between presidential security and public interaction.
Many Kenyans are now calling for better handling of such situations, emphasizing that while the President’s safety is important, the dignity and rights of ordinary citizens must also be respected.
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