Man Arrested After Reportedly Trying to Force Way Into State House Gate

Man Arrested After Reportedly Trying to Force Way Into State House Gate

A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to force his way into the restricted area of State House Gate D in Nairobi on Sunday afternoon.

The man reportedly arrived at the entrance in a tuk-tuk before allegedly attempting to drive through the security barriers.

General Service Unit (GSU) officers stationed at the gate are said to have noticed the incident and ordered him to stop. However, according to police, the suspect allegedly failed to comply and continued towards the entrance at high speed.

The officers reportedly intervened before the man could gain access to the restricted area and took him into custody.

Police said the suspect was questioned over the incident as investigators sought to establish his intentions and the circumstances surrounding the attempted entry.

Man reportedly wanted to meet Ruto

During questioning, the man reportedly told officers that he wanted to meet President William Ruto.

Police said he did not have an official appointment or authorisation to access the State House compound.

The circumstances surrounding his decision to approach the heavily secured entrance remained under investigation at the time of reporting.

Security officers also mounted additional operations in the surrounding area as they assessed whether the incident presented any wider security concerns.

It was not immediately clear whether President Ruto was at State House when the incident occurred.

State House is a restricted government facility and access is controlled through designated entrances and security procedures. Members of the public seeking official engagements with senior government officials are generally required to follow established appointment and access protocols.

State House warning issued days earlier

The incident occurred less than a week after State House issued a public warning concerning a man it said had been falsely presenting himself as a representative of President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.

In a notice published in a local newspaper on October 1, State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito warned the public against dealing with Eliel Cheruiyot Kipsang.

The notice stated that Kipsang was not an authorised representative, agent or employee of the Executive Office of the President or the Office of the First Lady.

State House warned that he had no authority to make representations, receive money, enter into agreements or make commitments on behalf of the President or First Lady.

The public was consequently advised to exercise caution when dealing with individuals claiming to act on behalf of senior government officials.

Previous security incident at State House

The latest incident also recalls a separate security incident at State House Gate along Dennis Pritt Road nearly a year earlier.

In that incident, a man allegedly attacked a GSU officer with a bow and arrow at the entrance.

The officer sustained serious injuries and later died while receiving treatment in hospital.

The incident prompted renewed attention to security arrangements around State House and the risks faced by officers stationed at restricted government facilities.

Authorities have not indicated whether Sunday’s incident was connected to the earlier attack or to the warning issued by State House regarding the alleged impersonation.

For now, investigations into the latest attempted entry are expected to focus on the suspect’s identity, his intentions and how he approached the restricted entrance.

Police are yet to announce whether the suspect will face specific charges over the incident. Further action is expected after investigators complete their inquiries.

ALSO READ: FKE Calls for New Social Protection System for Informal Workers

Man Arrested After Reportedly Trying to Force Way Into State House Gate