Kenya: Shoe hurled at Ruto a ‘sign of desperation'
Kenya's President William Ruto narrowly avoided injury on Sunday when a shoe was hurled at him during a public rally in Kehancha, Migori County.
The incident, captured on video, occurred as the president addressed the crowd on the government's efforts to reduce the cost of living, a topic that has sparked widespread public dissatisfaction in Kenya.
Videos circulating on social media show the president deflecting the incoming shoe with his arm before continuing his speech.
Kenya's Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the act.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura condemned the act, stating on social media: 'What would happen if we all decided to throw shoes at each other, what values are we teaching our children?'
READ | Kenyan lawmaker shot dead in Nairobi
Frustrations over the rising cost of living
The shoe-throwing incident comes amid growing public frustration over economic challenges, including high inflation and recent tax hikes, which many citizens blame for worsening the cost of living and shrinking household incomes across the country.
Another angle shows how the shoe 'accidentally' hit President Ruto during his Migori tour pic.twitter.com/aHp1InLphw
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) May 5, 2025
Basic commodities such as cooking oil, sugar, and fuel have seen significant price increases, prompting complaints from consumers and small-scale traders alike who feel abandoned by policymakers.
Analysts say the shoe-hurling incident may reflect a symbolic act of defiance.
'It's a reflection of bottled-up anger,' said political commentator Virginia Wanjiru.
'When people feel unheard, such actions, while not justifiable, become expressions of extreme frustration,' Wanjiru said.
'The government should view this not as an isolated act of indiscipline, but as a warning sign of deeper societal unrest.'
Over the past year, the Kenyan government has introduced several fiscal reforms, including new tax measures under the Finance Act, which have stirred public discontent.
Critics argue that while the administration touts the reforms as necessary for economic stability and debt reduction, the burden has fallen disproportionately on low- and middle-income households.
Government urges citizens to abide by the law
Authorities in Kenya have urged the public to express their grievances peacefully and lawfully. Despite the government's efforts to address these issues, many Kenyans feel that more needs to be done.
Local resident Maureen Mwihaki expressed her discontent.
'We are tired of promises. Life is becoming unbearable, and we need real solutions, not just words,' Mwihaki said, stressing that President Ruto needed to listen to the people.
I don't like our president, he needs to do better.
Maureen Mwihaki
For Brian Njuguna Mwangi, a small business owner, the shoe thrown at Ruto reflects the desperation of the people.
'We are tired,' he said.
'That was not just a shoe, it was defiance. While I don't condone violence, it's a wake-up call for our leaders to listen to the citizens' plight.'
The incident has raised concerns across East Africa about the security of public officials and the increasing tension between the government and its citizens.
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