Details of Police Probe After President Ruto is Hit With a Flying Shoe

by Ken Muthomi on Monday, 5 May 2025 - 7:47 am

A mammoth crowd attending a public address by President William Ruto in Migori County on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

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William Ruto

Police are yet to arrest the key suspect in the highly unprecedented incident that saw President William Ruto narrowly escape a flying shoe hurled at him on Sunday during a rally in Kuria West, Migori County.

President Ruto parried the shoe aimed at his head. He was addressing a crowd at Kehancha during his working tour in the county when the incident happened. Videos shared online showed the shoe emerging from the crowd and heading towards his head when he used his arm to divert it.

The President was then forced to stop his speech briefly as his security detail swung into action. Ruto was explaining how his government plans to lower the cost of living when the incident happened.

Sources said police in Migori are working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to find the prime suspect, even as three people were arrested in connection with the incident.

Screenshots showing moments a flying shoe hit President William Ruto; Frame 1: the shoe appears on screen; Frame 2: the shoe flies towards Ruto; Frame 3: the shoe makes contact and Frame 4: Ruto pushes the shoe away.

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The sources further revealed that police believe the incident was premeditated and was planned days before President Ruto arrived in the region.

According to the police, the three suspects are being interrogated to identify the key suspect.

Authorities said they have intensified investigations even as they seek to arrest more suspects in connection with the incident.

The police have, however, not described the arrested suspects. The State House has also not issued a statement regarding the incident.

Several leaders have condemned the incident, terming it disrespectful. Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris condemned the incident, terming it an act of provocation.

In an X post on Sunday, May 5, the lawmaker, who stressed the need to respect the President, further noted that such incidents would sabotage the peace that the country has been enjoying.

"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 stated.

"Let us not allow such distractions to derail our focus as a resilient nation, led by a President who remains committed and undeterred in his service to the people. We must rise above hate and thrive through peace," she added.

The incident occurred during the president's three-day development tour in Migori County, during which He launched and commissioned several projects, including a 298-unit Kehancha Affordable Housing Project in Kuria West, Migori County.