12 Arrested After Attempt to Disrupt First Lady Rachel Ruto’s Convoy in Siaya

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 12 suspects following an incident in which a group of youths allegedly attempted to disrupt First Lady Rachel Ruto’s convoy in Siaya town .

The incident occurred on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, shortly after the conclusion of a women’s economic empowerment function held at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) grounds in Siaya .

What Happened

According to the DCI, the youths allegedly attempted to force their way through a secured gate as the convoy headed towards a designated landing and take-off site .

Things escalated further when the same group started hurling stones at police officers who had been deployed to man the entrance .

DCI confirmed that officers on the ground moved fast, working to calm the situation and restore order before it could spiral into something worse. By the time the dust settled, 12 suspects believed to have played a role in the disturbance had been taken into custody .

Suspects in Custody

Detectives confirmed that the suspects are currently held at a police station within Siaya, where they are undergoing processing ahead of arraignment in court .

Investigations are still ongoing, and anyone else found to have participated in the incident could still face arrest and prosecution, according to the DCI .

“The suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing processing, pending arraignment, as detectives continue investigations with a view to bringing to book any other persons found to have been involved in the incident,” the DCI stated .

The First Lady’s Visit

The incident occurred after the First Lady had concluded a women’s empowerment engagement with members of the Joyful Women Organisation (JOYWO) at the KMTC grounds . During her visit, Rachel Ruto urged women to strengthen their savings culture and use collective financial power to build businesses .

She highlighted planned government investments in the county, including a Sh1 billion blue-economy project at Usenge, a Sh100 million fish landing site at Wichlum and expanded electricity connections .

Growing List of Security Breaches

This incident adds to a growing list of security breaches involving high state officials this year. On May 24, in Ganze, Kilifi County, President William Ruto’s security detail was breached when a man carrying a Bible managed to bypass multiple cordons and physically grab the President by the shoulder during a public event .

Following that lapse, Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordered a sweeping security overhaul, sacking Noah Kirwa Maiyo, commander of the Presidential Security and Escort Unit, as authorities moved to tighten protocols around the President’s physical safety .

Key Takeaways

• 👮 12 suspects arrested after attempting to disrupt First Lady’s convoy in Siaya
• 📅 Incident occurred on September 8, 2026, after women’s empowerment event at KMTC Siaya
• 🪨 Youths allegedly forced a secured gate and hurled stones at police officers
• ⚖️ Suspects being processed for arraignment as investigations continue
• 🔒 Part of growing security concerns following May 2026 breach of President Ruto’s security in Kilifi