Breaking Tradition: President Ruto Shakes Off ADC in a Surprising Move

In a surprising turn of events, President William Ruto has noticeably distanced himself from his aide-de-camp (ADC), Colonel Fabian Lengusuranga, and deputy ADC Lieutenant Colonel Damaris Agnetta over the past few months. This subtle shift in protocol has caught the attention of keen observers who are accustomed to seeing a stern-faced military officer standing behind the President during official public functions.

Contrary to popular belief, the ADC’s role goes beyond that of a bodyguard. Instead, they are responsible for managing the President’s schedule and coordinating with the main security team. However, recent observations by Citizen Digital indicate a change in this established practice, with Colonel Lengusuranga being benched whenever President Ruto takes the podium to address the public.

While there were instances where President Ruto had consistent ADC presence, such as juggling between Col Lengusuranga and Lt. Col. Agnetta in March, subsequent events have shown a notable absence of the ADC. The President has been seen delivering speeches without the ADC standing by his side, except for a few select occasions. This shift in dynamics raises questions about the reasons behind this change.

According to a source familiar with military and security intelligence, there could be several factors at play. One possibility is a lack of chemistry between President Ruto and his ADC. The President may prefer a less formal atmosphere, deviating from strict adherence to traditional protocol practices. The ADC symbolizes authority and emphasizes the President’s role as Commander-in-Chief, acting as a connection to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

However, it is important to note that none of these reasons are cause for alarm. Issues related to chemistry can run deeper than what meets the eye. Tensions within the close protection team could be a contributing factor, leading to a decision to minimize public disputes by having the military personnel take a back seat.

The role of an ADC is traditionally associated with highly-trained senior military officers who are expected to accompany the President at all times. Historically, ADCs were officers on the personal staff of high-ranking commanders, acting as confidential secretaries in routine matters. In modern times, their duties are more social in nature, often accompanying heads of state during official engagements.

In Kenya, the position of ADC has become synonymous with the presidency, reflecting a colonial legacy. Over the years, various individuals have held this role, serving different presidents. The first ADC in independent Kenya was Lt. Col. (Rtd) Samuel Ngure Matu, followed by several others under subsequent administrations.

As President Ruto embraces this subtle shift away from tradition, it sparks a conversation about the evolving dynamics of leadership and protocol in the country. While the reasons behind the change may remain speculative, one thing is certain: President Ruto’s recent public appearances without his ADC have not gone unnoticed.