Kenya Insights

Tag: Ruto shoes

  • Three Suspects Arrested in President Ruto’s Shoe Hurling Attack

    Three Suspects Arrested in President Ruto’s Shoe Hurling Attack

    A major security scare marred President William Ruto’s tour of Migori County on Sunday evening after an object, believed to be a shoe, was hurled at him during a public event in Kuria West.

    Security officers swiftly moved in, arresting three individuals suspected to be behind the incident.

    The President was unharmed, and the event continued without further disruptions.

    The incident occurred as President Ruto was launching a 200-unit affordable housing project in Uriri Constituency, part of his ongoing three-day working tour of Migori County that began on May 4.

    The visit, which runs through May 6, is aimed at commissioning key development projects and inspecting government initiatives across Suna East, Suna West, Rongo, Uriri, and Awendo constituencies.

    Following the scare, security around the Head of State was visibly heightened, with officers tightening control over the remaining itinerary.

    The tour is part of President Ruto’s broader push to cement support in ODM strongholds after his recent cooperation pact with opposition leader Raila Odinga.

    It also follows a March 26 meeting with Western Kenya leaders at State House, where Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to regional development, including reviving the ailing sugar sector.

    Despite the scare, the President is expected to proceed with the launch of key infrastructure projects such as the Stella-Gogo-Sibuoche tarmac road and various healthcare initiatives in the county.

    Local authorities say investigations into the motive behind the attempted attack are ongoing.

  • [VIDEO] BREAKING NEWS: SHOE THROWN AT PRESIDENT RUTO DURING MIGORI RALLY

    [VIDEO] BREAKING NEWS: SHOE THROWN AT PRESIDENT RUTO DURING MIGORI RALLY

    In a shocking security breach, an unidentified individual threw a shoe at President William Ruto during a public address in Migori Town on Saturday, prompting immediate action from authorities.

    Detectives have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who escaped the scene following the incident.

    The disturbance occurred during a public rally in Kehancha Town, Migori County, where President Ruto was addressing locals on national development initiatives.

    Moment an object that looks like a shoe flies past President Ruto while addressing the public in Migori.
    Moment an object that looks like a shoe flies past President Ruto while addressing the public in Migori.

    According to a viral video reviewed by Kenya Insights, midway through his speech, a shoe was hurled from the crowd, narrowly missing the President.

    Security personnel quickly responded, but the perpetrator managed to flee amid the confusion.

    President Ruto remained composed following the incident, briefly pausing before continuing his address and condemning the act as an attempt to undermine national unity.

    “Such actions will not deter us from our mission to transform Kenya,” he stated, calling for calm among his supporters. The President was unharmed, and no injuries were reported.

     

    The rally formed part of Ruto’s ongoing tour of Nyanza region, where he has been promoting development projects and political reconciliation.

    Earlier in the day, he attended an interdenominational service in Migori, where he promised justice for the recent assassination of Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were.

    The National Police Service confirmed that investigations are underway, with the Migori County Police Commander stating: “We are pursuing all leads to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for this reckless act.”

    Authorities are reviewing video footage from the event to assist in their investigation.

    The incident has sparked debate about political tensions in Kenya, particularly following recent protests against the Ruto administration’s economic policies.

    Many are suggesting the act may reflect growing frustrations among some citizens, though many have condemned it as disrespectful.

    This joins similar incidents internationally where shoes have been thrown at world leaders as a sign of protest, including the 2008 incident involving former U.S. President George W. Bush during a press conference in Baghdad.

    Earlier in the day, he attended an interdenominational prayer service at Kadika Primary School in Suna East.

    He then proceeded to Piny Oyie, where he officially opened the Suna East Sub County Office and laid the foundation stone for the Suna West Technical and Vocational College.