President William Ruto turned a brief technical hitch into a lighthearted moment after mobile network coverage abruptly failed during his public address.
The incident, captured in a viral video circulating on X, occurred as Ruto was demonstrating how Kenyans can access government services via a USSD code. Midway through the demonstration, members of the crowd shouted that there was no network, prompting him to pause.
With a grin, the Head of State quipped, “Kuna watu yangu hapa wamezoea kuzima network, wako wapi hao watu?… Wewe. Imekuja?” The remark drew laughter from the audience before he appeared to instruct his security team to momentarily disable any signal jammers in use.
Signal jammers, devices that deliberately disrupt wireless communications, are sometimes deployed at high-profile events to prevent unauthorised surveillance or drone activity. They work by emitting interference on the same frequencies as targeted communication channels, effectively blocking connections.
While useful for security purposes, such devices can disrupt emergency calls, interfere with live broadcasts, and inconvenience the public. Their use is restricted in many countries and requires special authorisation.
During the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, organisers banned signal jammers from stadiums alongside vuvuzelas, political banners, and outside food to safeguard fan safety and maintain uninterrupted coverage.
Ruto’s playful jab served as a reminder of the delicate balance between security measures and public convenience at national events.
Written By Rodney Mbua
