On Sunday, May 4, 2025, an unknown person threw a shoe at Kenya’s President William Ruto while he was speaking in Kehancha Town, Migori County. The incident happened shortly after Ruto launched a new 298-unit affordable housing project.
The shoe nearly hit the president, who was surprised but quickly continued his speech. The crowd and many Kenyans were shocked, and some called for the person responsible to be arrested for disrespecting the president. Others questioned why Ruto’s security team allowed the shoe to get so close.
Police arrested three suspects at the scene, but Ruto asked for them to be released, saying the focus should be on development. However, investigations are still ongoing to find out why the shoe was thrown. Some believe it might be linked to local politics.
This incident comes at a tense time in Migori. Just days earlier, on April 30, 2025, Kasipul MP Charles Were was shot and killed by a gunman in Nairobi. Police have arrested four suspects in connection with the MP’s murder, which has left many worried about the safety of public officials.
The National Police Service is looking into both cases. Many Kenyans are upset, with some saying the shoe-throwing incident shows a lack of respect, while others are concerned about security for leaders. Local leaders in Migori apologized for the incident and urged calm.
The events have sparked debates across Kenya about respect, safety, and the challenges facing the country.