Details Of How Daring Mob Trailed Presidential Motorcade In Nairobi, Nearly Breaching State House

In a dramatic turn of events that has caused commotion within the country’s security apparatus, a group of unruly youths followed President William Ruto’s motorcade for approximately 15 kilometres from Eastleigh before converging on State House on Monday, March 10.

The impromptu mob, comprising approximately 200 individuals, many of whom originated from the slums of Eastleigh and its surrounding areas, attempted to breach the fortified gate of the seat of power in what they humorously referred to as an attempt to “meet the president for lunch.”

Eyewitnesses report that the group, riding motorcycles and even clinging dangerously to vehicles in the presidential convoy, had been following the motorcade with a mix of audacity and desperation.

The mobs’ unconventional motive, reportedly a hunger-driven ploy to secure a meeting with President Ruto, Governor Johnson Sakaja, or other Members of Parliament accompanying the tour, quickly escalated into chaos.

Before reaching the highly guarded gates of State House, the rowdy mob disrupted traffic along Gate A, robbing and harassing motorists and pedestrians alike.

As the disturbance grew, police reinforcements, including specialized Recce units, were summoned to the scene.

Their arrival, however, came amid a scene of mayhem where several vehicles had to be turned away to avoid further escalation.

At approximately 3:00 p.m., hawk G Company officials intercepted the group at the entrance to State House.

Confronted by an elite security squad, the protestors were ordered to halt their advance. “The elite security team acted swiftly, preventing any unauthorized access to the highly protected premises. They wanted to even break in saying they were hungry but retreated when more officers arrived,” said a bystander who witnessed the tense standoff.

In the ensuing confusion, 12 individuals—identified as among the most fervent participants—were arrested.

However, sources confirm that these arrests were short-lived, with the detainees later released after a brief period of custody.

The events of Monday have prompted a swift response from security agencies. Officials have assured the public that there was no direct threat to the state’s leadership and that measures remain in place to safeguard Kenya’s most critical installations.

President Ruto’s tour of Nairobi, which has already drawn heightened security measures, continues.

After the incident at State House, he is slated to visit Mathare and Kasarani on Tuesday, March 11.