Migori County, Kenya – Tension gripped a public rally in Migori County after President William Ruto narrowly escaped being hit by a flying shoe allegedly hurled at him by an unidentified individual from the crowd.
The President, who had earlier attended an Interdenominational Church Service at Kadika Primary School in Suna East Constituency, was addressing residents as part of his three-day development tour of Migori County. During one of his public engagements, a video that has since gone viral on social media captured the dramatic moment the President instinctively shielded himself with his hand as a shoe flew in his direction, narrowly missing him.
The incident sparked brief panic among the crowd and those on the podium, though President Ruto quickly regained composure and continued with his address.
Despite being surrounded by heavy security detail, the President was standing on a raised platform, making him momentarily exposed. The shoe managed to bypass several security officers before almost hitting him. Police quickly contained the situation, but the identity and motive of the person behind the act remain unknown.
Leaders from Migori County strongly condemned the incident, terming it disrespectful and a threat to national unity. “Regardless of our political affiliations, we must uphold decorum and respect for the office of the President,” one leader said.
President Ruto’s tour in Migori also included visits to Piny Oyie Technical Training Institute (TTI), the Kehancha Affordable Housing Project, and the official opening of Suna West County offices. The trip is part of a broader plan by the Head of State to enhance development and national cohesion across all regions of the country.
Security agencies are expected to issue a formal statement on the attempted attack as investigations continue.
