TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

President William Ruto embarked on his highly anticipated tour of the vote-rich Mt. Kenya region on Tuesday, April 1.

The president visited Laikipia and Nyeri counties, engaging with local residents, addressing their concerns and launching several projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting the local economy.

While much of the visit focused on development and interaction with the public, a disturbing incident caught the attention of netizens.

In a video that has since gone viral, a woman in a yellow shirt was seen eagerly rushing toward the president, joining the crowd of residents greeting him.

However, as she moved forward, Ruto’s security detail appeared to act with force, shoving her to the ground in what many have described as an excessive response.

The incident has sparked a heated debate online, leading to an outcry from viewers who have expressed concern over the handling of the situation.

Many netizens questioned the level of aggression shown towards a citizen simply trying to greet her president.

Below are some of the reactions:

@Chaguas1:

"The clip is a good testament that people create disconnected politicians by giving them too much love than they deserve. It is pity Mary the Magdalena, not the biblical one has to be shoved to the ground. But, I do understand those people. They just want to touch perceived successful & happy person to get a bit of the blessings thro Osmosis."

@matasi_arnold:

"Apart from the lady who was shoved the rest near him are cops pretending to greet him why were they not pulled or pushed off."

@JMireri:

"That was a tackle, weeh... But who in their right mind would be rushing for a handshake at this time."

@Xavi_ourBlupoet:

"Lakini sometimes people can be petty and gullible in their emotions. Wueh! So the president was to walk on top of them, ama wangeachwa wote wamsalime kwanza ndo aende?"

@Yolosh

"Alienda hapo kufanya nini? Si angekaa kwake."

@Damah_NK

"He is the president he doesn't care cause he doesn't need the people. If it was nearing the election he (Ruto) would have helped the woman stand up himself and later invite her to the statehouse."

In a related incident, a British national tragically lost his life after being struck by a speeding car in the presidential convoy near Adams Arcade on Thursday, March 13.

The incident occurred as Ruto's convoy was traveling from Lang’ata to Kibra constituency during his tour of Nairobi county.

The convoy, en route to Kibra DC Grounds, did not stop after hitting the victim, a middle-aged white man, who was reportedly trying to cross the road.

Following the incident, the driver of the vehicle was arrested by police, and later released on a cash bail.

Source: TUKO.co.ke