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Kenyan President's Security Under Scrutiny After Shoe-Throwing Incident

Experts call for urgent reforms to professionalize VIP protection following a security lapse at a rally in Kehancha, Migori County.

Kenya's President William Ruto addresses delegates at a joint summit from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) to discuss the conflict in eastern Congo, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania February 8, 2025. REUTERS/Emmanuel Herman/File Photo

Overview

  • A shoe was thrown at President William Ruto during a public rally in Kehancha, exposing vulnerabilities in Kenya's VIP protection system.
  • Security analyst George Musamali highlighted systemic weaknesses, including outdated protocols and lack of professional training for protective services.
  • Political leaders' tendency to choose bodyguards based on personal relationships rather than merit has been criticized for compromising security effectiveness.
  • Experts recommend adopting international best practices, such as those of the U.S. Secret Service and South Africa's Presidential Protection Service, to improve security standards.
  • Calls for reform also emphasize better intelligence coordination and stricter enforcement of safety measures, even against political optics demands.