Political leaders from across the spectrum have united in condemning an incident in which a shoe was hurled at President William Ruto during his visit to Kehancha in Kuria, Migori County.
The President was addressing a public rally when a shoe was thrown from the crowd, momentarily disrupting the event. A five-second video circulating online appears to show the shoe striking the President on the head before he deflected it. Security officers swiftly intervened, dispersing the crowd around the dais. President Ruto, however, urged calm and asked his team to stop pushing attendees.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi warned of the serious consequences such actions could provoke, emphasizing the need to respect the presidency despite political differences. Nelson Koech, Chair of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee, labeled the act a “dangerous escalation,” stating on Citizen TV, “We’ve taken a joke too far and must protect the Head of State.”
Senator Richard Onyonka called the incident unjustifiable, while Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni described the act as a symbol of growing public frustration. “A shoe has a story. It’s a question of asking yourself, how much have I contributed to that level of anger?” Kioni said.
Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu raised security concerns but also advised President Ruto to abandon populist rallies. “He should stay in office, develop policies, and ensure their proper implementation,” Nyutu said.
Strategic Communications Advisor Fred Okang’o echoed calls for institutional respect: “Even if they don’t like Ruto, we must respect the Office of the President.”
Police have arrested and are interrogating three suspects in connection with the incident, with investigations still ongoing.