Security was visibly heightened around president William Ruto on Monday as he launched the construction of the Makupa modern market in Mombasa, a day after a security lapse in Kilifi county triggered a major shake-up in the presidential protection team.
The president arrived in Mombasa under tightened security, with officers maintaining a closer ring around him during the public engagement. The enhanced security followed Sunday’s incident in Ganze, Kilifi county, where a man reportedly breached the presidential security cordon and reached the podium as Ruto addressed a public gathering. Police have since opened investigations into the incident.
The breach prompted immediate changes within the elite security units assigned to the Head of State. Presidential Escort Unit Commandant Noah Kirwa Maiyo was redeployed to Vigilance House, while senior officers within the unit were also affected in the reshuffle. Reports indicated that William Sawe from the Recce Squad was appointed to lead the Presidential Escort Unit.
Despite the security concerns, president Ruto pressed on with his Coast development tour, laying the foundation stone for the Makupa modern market in Nyali constituency, Mombasa. The project is part of the government’s wider programme to construct modern markets across the country under its economic transformation agenda.
Speaking during the launch, the president said the markets were aimed at improving working conditions for small-scale traders, especially women and youth, by providing dignified trading spaces, better sanitation and structured access to customers.
The Makupa project comes after similar market engagements during the Coast tour, including the commissioning of the Diani modern market in Kwale and foundation stone ceremonies for other markets in Kinango, Lunga Lunga and Ganze.
Monday’s event, however, was dominated by the security undertone, as the president’s handlers appeared keen to prevent a repeat of the Kilifi incident.
The reshuffle is expected to raise wider questions on presidential security protocols during public rallies and development tours.
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