A video circulating online has captured the moment President William Ruto pushed aside one of his bodyguards as he attempted to interact with residents during a tour of Nyeri County.
In the footage, the officer, part of the President’s close protection unit, is seen holding back a crowd that was pressing forward to greet Ruto.
As the President approached, the bodyguard appeared to block the crowd, which was becoming increasingly overwhelming.
Ruto is then seen pulling the officer aside to access the residents and shake hands. Moments later, the officer disappears behind members of the media team walking ahead of the President.
Mwenye nguvu mpishe. pic.twitter.com/C1F5XVsMAn
— Rodgers Kipembe Mpuru (@RodgersKipembe) January 13, 2026
During the brief scuffle, the President’s aide-de-camp (ADC) is also seen stepping in to move the officer aside.
The incident, described by some observers as a breach of protocol, played out in full public view and sparked debate on social media.
“Seems like the CPO team has no elaborate strategy for such a setup. I read disorganisation,” one user wrote on X.
During the Nyeri visit, President Ruto officially launched the NYOTA Project Business Start-Up Capital at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Grounds, where Sh173.2 million was disbursed to youth beneficiaries from Nyeri, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga and Murang’a counties.
The incident comes just months after the President was struck by a flying shoe during a visit to Migori County.
Ruto was addressing a crowd at Kehancha, the final stop of his first day in Migori, when a shoe was hurled toward him as he concluded his speech.
The President attempted to block it with his hands, appearing visibly shocked.
His security detail immediately moved in, pursuing a suspect within the crowd.
However, the President later intervened and instructed the officers to release the individual. Following the incident, people, including leaders, were pushed further away from where the President was standing.
The President had visited Kehancha to launch an affordable housing project.
UDA Kuria Woman Leader Bevine Bhoke condemned the shoe-throwing incident, terming it unfortunate and embarrassing.
“On behalf of the Kuria community, I apologise to the President for the misfortune and embarrassing incident that took place at Kehancha during his tour,” Bhoke said, adding that the community is peace-loving and urging police to take appropriate action.
She said the individual involved should serve as an example to others.