Ruto Breaks Security Protocol, Catches Aide de Camp off Guard

President William Ruto signing of the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga, Nairobi County.
President William Ruto signing of the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga, Nairobi, on Wednesday, September 15, 2022.
Photo: PSC

President William Ruto's caught his aide de camp off guard after he opened his door and alighted at the United Kingdom (UK) High Commissioner's residence. 

Brigadier Timothy Lekolool had accompanied the President to sign a condolence book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday, September 14. 

As is the norm, Brig. Lekolool has to open the door, salute, close the door then follow His Excellency. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, security expert Haggai Chogo opined that the actions by the head of state undermined his own security.

President William Ruto's aide-de-camp caught by surprise after Ruto opens the door himself contrary to the norm
President William Ruto's aide-de-camp was caught by surprise after Ruto opens the door himself on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
Kenyans.co.ke

"That is compromising security, and he even puts the bodyguard in a fix as protocol dictates that the aide should be the one opening the door for the head of state," he explained.

Chogo noted that while President Ruto was at the UK Embassy, an area considered to have tight security, there are underlying reasons as to why the military officer should step out before him.

"Security of the president as a VVIP remains crucial. We cannot assume that because the threat level is low, the president can overlook the duty of the ADC," the expert expounded.

In addition, he explained that a security team is initially dispatched to ascertain the security of the destination a president intends to visit.

Ruto was hosted by UK Ambassador to Kenya, Jane Marriott, and signed the condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2022. 

"On behalf of the people and the government of Kenya, we commiserate with the people of the UK, particularly the family of Queen Elizabeth II. We also congratulate the new British King, Charles III," the President condoled.

He urged the King to carry on the Queen's duties including ensuring that member states of the Commonwealth continue to prosper under his reign.

"The way to re-imagine the Commonwealth is to look at how it is going to play in the economies of our counties and in making sure that we leave no member behind," he stated.

Before leaving office, former president, Uhuru Kenyatta, declared four days of mourning following the demise of the monarch

President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua and UK Ambassador Jane Marriott signing of the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga, Nairobi.
President William Ruto, DP Rigathi Gachagua, and former UK Ambassador Jane Marriott sign the Condolence Book for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the UK High Commissioner’s Residence, Muthaiga on Wednesday, September 14, 2022.
PCS