“I Have No Regrets”: The Man Behind the Dash
Speaking to Citizen TV shortly after his release from police custody, Ahmed Muhumed appeared surprisingly calm and unaware of the gravity of his actions.
The Motivation: Muhumed identified himself as an aspiring Member of County Assembly (MCA). He claimed that his primary goal was to seek an audience with President Ruto to discuss his political future and the needs of his ward.
The Quote: “Mimi nilitaka kuongea na Rais kwa sababu nasimama kiti ya MCA huko kwetu,” (I wanted to speak to the President because I am vying for an MCA seat in our area), he stated, adding that he did not regret his actions.
The Misconception: Muhumed seemed to believe that a public event was the most direct “office” for the Head of State, failing to realize that sprinting toward the Commander-in-Chief in a high-security zone is often met with lethal force.
2. The Professionalism of the Intercept
While the incident looked chaotic on social media, the National Police Service (NPS) has used it as a case study in “de-escalation.”
The Capture: Officers from the Presidential Security Team tackled Muhumed within seconds. Despite the suddenness of his approach, no weapons were found on him, and the security team managed to subdue him without the use of excessive force.
Resuming Order: The disbursement of NYOTA funds—intended to empower 5,880 young entrepreneurs—continued almost immediately. The President, though momentarily unsettled, did not let the breach truncate his engagement with the people of Wajir.
3. The “Mombasa Precedent” and the Security Tightening
Security analysts point out that Muhumed may have been emboldened by a similar incident in Mombasa on February 6, where a man named Jeremiah was allowed to speak to the President after running toward the dais.
The Difference: In Mombasa, the President jokingly interceded, asking Jeremiah about his hair and lost shoes. In Wajir, the approach was deemed more aggressive, leading to the 3-day inquiry ordered by IG Douglas Kanja.
The Fallout: Following Muhumed’s interview, there are concerns that “dais-charging” is becoming a dangerous trend for citizens seeking a “shortcut” to presidential attention. Security perimeters for the rest of the Northern Kenya tour (Mandera and Garissa) have reportedly been doubled.
