Three young men aged between 18 and 22 have been arrested in connection with a shoe-throwing incident targeting President William Ruto during his tour of Migori County. The dramatic moment briefly disrupted a public rally held in Kuria West, where the President was addressing residents from a small raised platform.
The 18-year-old suspect is reported to be the individual caught on video hurling a shoe towards the President. The footage, which quickly circulated on social media, shows the moment the object was flung from the crowd. President Ruto, surrounded by his security detail, managed to block the shoe as it made contact. Despite the sudden nature of the attack, the President remained composed, calling on his security officers to calm the crowd even as they rushed to contain the situation.
According to a police report from Kehancha Police Station in Kuria West Sub-County, all three suspects are male and hail from the areas of Kuria West, Komasincha, and Taranganya. They were apprehended in Kehancha town shortly after the incident. While the youngest is believed to have thrown the shoe, the other two were allegedly heckling the President during his speech.
Authorities believe the act may not have been spontaneous. Investigators are exploring whether the incident was politically driven and planned in advance of the President’s visit to the region. Interior officials indicated that the case is part of a broader probe into potential breaches of presidential security and whether the suspects acted alone or as part of a coordinated effort.
The incident occurred during a packed public event, with President Ruto addressing a large crowd from a modest dais. The shoe was launched during his speech, leading to a temporary halt in proceedings. Security forces quickly moved to secure the area, pushing the crowd further away from the stage to prevent any additional threats. Detectives began questioning witnesses and reviewing footage in a bid to establish the full scope of the incident.
Initial investigations suggest the act may have been more than just an emotional outburst. The behavior of the other two suspects shouting and heckling as the President spoke has raised suspicions about a possible coordinated attempt to disrupt the event.
Security officers remained on high alert throughout the remainder of the rally, which resumed after a brief disruption. President Ruto, visibly unshaken, continued his address shortly after order was restored, urging calm and restraint.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more suspects being involved and say investigations are ongoing. Additional arrests could follow depending on the findings.
The event marks one of the rare instances of a physical threat aimed at a sitting head of state during a public function in Kenya. It has prompted renewed scrutiny of security protocols surrounding presidential visits, especially in politically sensitive areas.
As investigations continue, officials are urging members of the public to avoid speculation and allow the law to take its course. The arrested suspects are assisting police with inquiries as detectives work to uncover whether the incident was part of a larger plot or a misguided act by agitated individuals.
