Kenyans React After Ruto’s Security Officer Grabs Woman’s Phone at Nairobi Event

A video showing President William Ruto’s security personnel violently grabbing a woman’s phone during an event at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi has caused mixed reactions across the country.

The incident happened on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, during a trade fair attended by the Head of State and other senior government officials. 

In the short clip that has since gone viral online, President Ruto was seen inspecting an exhibition stand run by a group of Rwandese traders when the commotion occurred.

As the President interacted with one of the exhibitors, another woman standing close by started recording the exchange using her phone. 

Within seconds, one of Ruto’s bodyguards swiftly approached her and snatched the phone from her hand, leaving those nearby in shock. The officer then walked away with the phone as the woman stood speechless.

Despite the incident unfolding just a few metres from him, President Ruto appeared unbothered and continued with his tour of the exhibition stands.

The video quickly spread on social media, triggering debate among Kenyans. Some users condemned the officer’s behaviour, calling it an abuse of power and a violation of the woman’s rights. 

Others, however, defended the security team, arguing that the woman breached presidential protocol by getting too close to the President while recording.

“She went out of line. The bodyguard was just doing his job to protect the President,” one user wrote. 

Another, however, asked, “Is this the Bottom-up model we were promised? Will they even return her phone?”

The event was also attended by Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, among other top officials.

This is not the first time a similar incident has occurred. In May 2025, another woman in Kibera was pushed aside by Ruto’s bodyguards after she tried to hold onto the President’s hand during a public greeting.