The government has condemned an incident where a person hurled a shoe at President WIlliam Ruto during a rally in Migori County on Sunday.
Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura, in a statement on Monday, May 5, called for the prosecution of the perpetrators even as he urged Kenyans to respect the Presidency.
"Fellow Kenyans, the government strongly condemns the incident that occurred in Kehancha, Migori County. We must respect the institution of the Presidency," he said.
He added: "Those behind this shameful act must be apprehended. What values are we teaching our children? Let us be patriotic and maintain peace."
While addressing Kehancha residents on Sunday evening, the Head of State was almost hit by a shoe hurled at him.
Videos shared online showed several angles from the incident, depicting the shoe flying from the crowd towards the president, causing him to temporarily pause his speech.
Since the incident that exposed a serious security breach, several politicians have weighed in on the implications of the matter. This is the first time the government is openly addressing the matter.
Although he held a similar rally on Monday morning, the President avoided addressing the matter, although his security seemed to be tighter.
Three people were apprehended following the attack, although police sources indicate that the main culprit behind the incident is not among them.
According to the sources, police officers in Migori are working with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to apprehend this key perpetrator, even as they interrogate the three.
Reportedly, the incident was premeditated and was planned days before President Ruto arrived in the region.
The identities of the three and their alleged involvement in the crime have yet to be revealed to the public, with no official statement revealing any details. Meanwhile, President Ruto is still carrying on with his three-day tour of the county.
