President William Ruto narrowly escaped being hit by a flying shoe on Sunday, May 4, during a public address in Migori County. The dramatic incident occurred while the President was engaging with residents during a developmental tour of the region.
A video circulating online shows an unidentified individual hurling what appeared to be a shoe toward Ruto as he spoke to the crowd. The object narrowly missed the President, flying past him by a small margin. Despite the sudden disruption, Ruto maintained his composure, briefly pausing before resuming his speech without showing signs of distress.
Security personnel swiftly intervened, forming a protective barrier around the Head of State. The incident has since triggered a flurry of reactions on social media. While many Kenyans condemned the act as disrespectful and potentially dangerous, others viewed it as a symbolic gesture of public frustration amid growing concerns over the country’s economic challenges and political direction.
The President was in Migori for a series of official engagements, beginning with an Interdenominational Prayer Service at Kadika Primary School in Suna East. Following the service, he proceeded to Piny Oyie to open the Suna East Sub County Office and laid a foundation stone for the Suna West Technical and Vocational College.
“We are strengthening our local administration to ensure it is fully equipped to serve the people efficiently,” Ruto said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to grassroots development. He added that the new college would enhance access to technical training and empower the youth in the region.
Later, the President traveled to Kuria West, where he launched the 298-unit Kehancha Affordable Housing Project. “We are implementing a transformative development agenda that will ensure that no part of our country is marginalised or left behind,” Ruto emphasized.
Despite the shoe-throwing incident, Ruto concluded his tour with a message of unity and economic transformation, reiterating his vision for an inclusive and prosperous Kenya.
The incident has sparked discussions on public decorum and political accountability, highlighting the tensions between leadership and citizen expectations in the current socio-economic climate.
