President William Ruto addresses rally at Funyula, Busia on October 31, 2025/PCS SCREENGRABA light yet dramatic moment unfolded on Friday after President William Ruto appeared to reprimand a security guard for locking out members of the public during a function in Busia County.
The incident occurred during the groundbreaking ceremony for new hostels at Bumbe National Polytechnic in Funyula Constituency, where the President was addressing residents from the top of his vehicle.
He was accompanied by several Western Kenya leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Cabinet Secretary for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development, Wycliffe Oparanya.
As he spoke about his administration’s efforts to expand electricity connectivity in Busia County, the President briefly paused his speech to respond to a commotion at the venue’s entrance.
“Kuna mtu mwingine amefunga gate hapo. Wewe unafunga gate, unafungia wananchi gate, kichwa yako ni mzuri? Wewe fungua gate hapo, bure kabisa, mwambie afungue gate wananchi waingie ndani,” the President said.
(“There is someone who has closed the gate there. You’re locking out the people — is your head okay? Open that gate! Tell him to open the gate so that the people can come inside.”)
The remarks, which drew laughter and cheers from sections of the crowd, came after the President appeared to notice that some members of the public had been denied entry into the compound.
The exchange briefly disrupted the event, with several attendees seen recording the moment on their phones before the President resumed his speech.
Ruto went on to urge Kenyans to unite and avoid divisive politics, saying his administration was focused on implementing development projects that benefit all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
“We have agreed to shun divisive politics and unite just as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga asked us to do. We unite and work together to transform our country,” he said.
The President also highlighted ongoing development projects in Busia County, including rural electrification initiatives, improvements in technical training institutions, and youth empowerment programmes.
He said the construction of new hostels at Bumbe National Polytechnic would enhance student welfare and increase enrollment for young people pursuing technical skills.
The President further encouraged youth in Busia to register for the State’s Nyota Programme initiative.
According to the government, more than 100,000 beneficiaries of the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (Nyota) Programme are expected to start receiving funds on Friday, November 7.
The World Bank-supported Sh50 billion initiative will provide Sh50,000 each to 70 youth in every one of Kenya’s 1,450 wards to help them start business ventures.
Physical verification of applicants took place on Friday, October 24, at constituency headquarters following an online aptitude test to assess their suitability for the programme.
