President William Ruto has chosen forgiveness over fury after a shoe was thrown at him during a public rally on Sunday, May 4, in Kuria West, Migori County.
The incident, which occurred during a speech by the President, shocked onlookers and sparked widespread reactions from Kenyans.
Despite the moment’s intensity, President Ruto continued with his address and later opted not to press charges or retaliate against the individual responsible.
“The President, having a big heart, has forgiven those responsible,” Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura said on Tuesday 6th.
“This is completely unacceptable! What kind of behaviour are we teaching our children?” he added, condemning the incident as “shameful.”
It is important to note that since the incident, Ruto has avoided the topic and all the speakers who addressed rallies in Migori steered clear of the topic.
KNCHR on Ruto Shoe Thrown at Him Incident
While government officials have decried the act as an insult to the presidency and a breach of public decorum, Ruto’s personal response has steered the national conversation toward reconciliation and restraint.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) also issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the act as a violation of constitutional values and a threat to democratic stability.
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However, the commission also echoed the importance of leadership by example, something Ruto appears to have embraced.
“Throwing objects is not a legitimate form of protest but an unacceptable resort to aggression,” said Dr. Raymond Nyeris, Vice Chairperson of KNCHR.
“That the President forgave this act reflects a commitment to national unity and tolerance,” he added.
Constitution on President as a Symbol of National Unity
The Commission cited Article 131 of the Constitution, which identifies the President as a symbol of national unity and warned that acts of public hostility erode respect for institutions and the rule of law.
It further urged Kenyans to engage in peaceful, issue-based political discourse and to reject violence in all its forms.
While the President’s decision to forgive has been applauded, officials stress that it does not legitimize disorderly conduct. “Our democracy guarantees freedom of expression,” KNCHR noted, “but not violence or incitement.”
Also Read: EXPLAINED: Lapses in President Ruto’s Security and Why the Shoe Should Not Have Hit Him
Law enforcement agencies have been asked to investigate the incident thoroughly but fairly, ensuring that accountability does not come at the expense of rights.
Ruto Hit by Show Video
A newly surfaced video showed members of the crowd filming the president’s speech when one person lifted a shoe into the air, possibly in a show of enthusiasm.
Seconds later, another individual appeared to hit the shoe perhaps to clear his view sending it flying toward the president and narrowly missing his head.
Although President Ruto downplayed the incident, police in Kuria West later reported the arrest of three people in connection with what they described as “careless and unfortunate conduct.”
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