It was a jaw-dropping moment that gripped the nation. As President William Ruto addressed a charged crowd in Kuria West, Migori County, a shoe came flying from the audience, narrowly missing his head.
The president’s quick reflexes and a sharp block with his arm saved him from potential harm, but the bizarre scene has now raised serious questions about security around Kenya’s top leader.
Police are scrambling to catch the main suspect behind this bold attack, and Kenyans are watching closely to see what happens next.
Hunt for Main Suspect in Ruto Flying Shoe Attack Intensifies
Police in Migori County are under immense pressure after the shocking incident that saw President Ruto nearly hit by a flying shoe on Sunday. Officers rushed to secure the scene as soon as the shoe was hurled, but the main culprit is still on the loose.
Eyewitness videos widely shared online show the shoe slicing through the air toward the president’s head while he was talking about lowering the cost of living. Ruto quickly raised his arm, deflecting the shoe, and paused his speech momentarily.
One of his security officers immediately jumped into action, shielding him and helping him regain control of the event.
So far, police have arrested three people believed to have ties to the attack. These suspects are now being grilled by detectives in a bid to uncover the identity and whereabouts of the main suspect.
According to police insiders, the assault was not a random act. Authorities believe it was a pre-planned move, organized days before Ruto’s arrival in the region.
Migori police, working hand in hand with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), are intensifying their search. They are tracking digital footprints, reviewing video footage, and interviewing witnesses in an effort to bring the suspect to justice.
Despite the swift arrests, authorities have kept tight-lipped about the profiles of those in custody. The State House has also maintained silence, fueling more public curiosity and speculation about the case.
Political Leaders React to Ruto Flying Shoe Incident
The Ruto flying shoe incident has sparked outrage among Kenyan leaders across the political divide. Many have condemned the attack as shameful and a sign of growing disrespect for the presidency.
Nairobi County Woman Representative Esther Passaris was among the first to speak out. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Passaris blasted the act, labeling it a “provocation” rather than a legitimate protest.
“Throwing a shoe at the President is not a protest; it’s provocation. I strongly condemn the unfortunate incident in Migori. This disgraceful act by a lone agitator does not reflect the values or aspirations of Kenyans,” she posted.
She further urged Kenyans not to be distracted by acts of hate and violence, stressing that the country should stay focused on peace and development.
Other leaders echoed similar sentiments, saying the attack was a stain on Kenya’s political culture. They called for calm and urged citizens to express grievances through peaceful and lawful means.
Security Concerns and Public Reaction After Ruto Flying Shoe Attack
The flying shoe saga has also ignited debate about the efficiency of the president’s security detail. Kenyans have questioned how such an object could be thrown at such close range without preemptive action from the security team.
Some security experts argue that while Ruto’s bodyguards acted swiftly after the shoe was thrown, the real lapse was in failing to detect and prevent the attack before it happened.
In tightly packed political rallies like the one in Kuria West, advance security sweeps are critical, but gaps in crowd control often expose vulnerabilities.
Public reaction has been mixed. While many have condemned the act, a section of Kenyans online joked about the incident, turning it into memes and hashtags that trended for hours. However, beneath the humor lies a serious concern: if a shoe can come that close to the president, what could happen next time?
The incident took place during Ruto’s three-day development tour of Migori County, where he launched major projects, including the 298-unit Kehancha Affordable Housing Project. Despite the scare, Ruto continued his tour, underscoring his resolve to push on with his agenda.
