President William Ruto was hit with a shoe during a roadside rally in Kehancha, Suna West, Migori County on Sunday, May 4, 2025. According to amateur footage shared online, the rally ended unceremoniously as police officers swung into action.
Within minutes, three individuals were arrested after the incident, as the President, who is protected by the elite recce squad, fumbled to regain his line of thought.
From the videos that have since gone viral, people scampered for their safety as officers ploughed through the crowd to smoke out suspected attackers.
Security agencies have strongly condemned the act, pledging to enhance protocols surrounding presidential appearances.
In a five-second clip captured immediately before and after the incident, a shoe is seen flying and hitting the president in the face, momentarily disorienting his speech.
Ruto’s security detail swiftly moved in to protect the head of state, who remained steadfast on the podium, continuing to urge calm.
The situation sent the crowd into a frenzy, turning chaotic for a few moments.
Ruto was addressing the crowd after launching an affordable housing project in the area, detailing the government’s efforts to lower the cost of farming in the county, just before the shoe struck his face.
“We said we would reduce the cost of fertiliser. Is that right or not? Wait a minute and let the people be,” Ruto is heard telling his security detail.
The three suspects were apprehended near the incident site and are being questioned regarding the security breach.
A security officer informed Citizen TV that investigations are ongoing and that more suspects are being sought.
He added that preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been politically motivated and possibly premeditated before the president’s visit.
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Migori Politicians Condemn Incident
Politicians from the region condemned the incident as an unfortunate attempt on the President’s life.
“Let the media not report their own version of events. What happened is that they wanted to greet the President, but they couldn’t reach him. So if you get the opportunity, come back and greet the youth with a handshake,” Fatuma Mohammed, Migori Woman Representative, said.
We said we would open a shoe factory. Is that right or not? We said we would open a shoe factory.
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Ruto First Tour of the County
Prior to the incident, Ruto had visited Piny Oyie TTI, Suna West constituency, and the Suna West sub-county office, before making a stop at Kehancha town after launching the Kehancha affordable housing project.
Ruto’s three-day tour of the region will continue on Monday and Tuesday, as he is expected to launch and commission several development projects.
This is the first time such an incident has occurred during President Ruto’s rallies address rallies.
However, the incident has raised fresh concerns about the President’s security, especially during open sunroof engagements.
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