Shoe Thrown at President Ruto in Migori – Protest or Accident?
Kenyan President William Ruto dodged a shoe thrown at him during a rally in Migori County. Was it a protest or an accident? Read more here.
Incident Overview: Chaos at the Podium
On May 4, 2025, a public rally in Migori County, western Kenya, took a shocking turn when President William Ruto was targeted by a shoe thrown from the crowd. The rally, focused on addressing rising living costs, erupted in chaos as the president swiftly deflected the flying object with his arm. No injuries were reported.
Viral videos on social media quickly amplified the moment, drawing national attention and prompting heated debates about public dissent and political symbolism in Kenya.
Official Explanation: Misunderstanding or Protest?
Dennis Itumbi, a senior official from the president’s office, downplayed the incident, calling it an accident. According to his statement, a spectator lifted their shoe as a makeshift camera, prompting another to knock it aside, unintentionally sending it flying toward the president.
While some accept this explanation, others believe the act mirrors historical shoe-throwing protests, like the famous incident involving George W. Bush in Iraq (2008)—a gesture of deep disrespect and dissent.
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Arrests and Legal Response
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that three individuals had been arrested. Law enforcement is investigating whether the incident was intentional or an unfortunate security breach.
In Kenya, such acts are considered violations of public order and could be charged under laws concerning disruption of public gatherings or threats to public figures.
Social Media Reaction & Visual Evidence
The scene was captured from multiple angles and widely circulated on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Some videos show Ruto responding calmly, while others replay the moment as political satire or a call for accountability.
Visuals have become central to public discourse, with memes, news footage, and photo analyses dissecting every detail of the shoe’s trajectory.