President Uhuru Kenyatta's aide-de-camp was on Wednesday forced to look for alternative entry in Addis Ababa's National Palace during the launching of Unity Park.
Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Stelu was blocked by hawk-eyed security officers manning the main entry as he struggled to catch up with Uhuru who was already inside the hall.
Also caught in the awkward situation was Uhuru's private assistant Jomo Gecaga, who is also his nephew. The two never miss all presidential tours.
The video making rounds on social media shows the two struggling to gain access but only to be denied by the Ethiopian security team that was guarding the entrance.
Minutes later, probably running out of options, Stelu and Gecaga were seen walking away after the embarrassment, which might have caused tensions afterwards.
Speaking at the inauguration, President Kenyatta said Ethiopia is a constant reminder of why Africans should preserve their culture and traditions, and guard the hard-earned sovereignty of African states.
The President said a country that does not know its history will not understand its present and will find it hard to navigate today’s complex world.
He said the preservation of cultural heritage and historical assets will serve to restore the dignity and honour of Africa.
The Unity Park was launched few hours before the Ethiopian PM Ahmed Abiy was announced the winner of lucrative Nobel Peace Prize, Friday.
Aide-de-camp is an official assistant of the president picked from among military staff members. Lt Col Stelu became the first officer from Navy to hold the position in 2018.
In his absence, Stelu is usually assisted by Lieutenant General Rachael Nduta from Kenya Air Force, the first female officer to hold such a position.