MIGORI, KENYA — Police officers in Kuria West, Migori County, have arrested three suspects in connection with an incident in which a shoe was thrown at President William Ruto during his public address in Kehancha on Sunday.
A security officer, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing investigation’s sensitive nature, verified the arrests and indicated that more suspects are being pursued.
The official stated that initial investigative findings suggest the act may have been driven by political motives and potentially planned prior to the President’s scheduled visit. He also noted that investigators are focusing on a principal suspect, whose apprehension is anticipated to expedite the investigation.
The disturbance occurred during the President’s tour of Migori, briefly interrupting his address.
A brief, five-second video recording captured the moment a shoe was launched from the audience towards President Ruto, striking him on the head.
“Tupunguze gharama ya…” President Ruto is audibly heard saying before the impact.
The President momentarily paused his speech, which centered on the reduction of agricultural input costs for Kehancha farmers.
Security personnel assigned to the President’s protection promptly secured the stage, resulting in a brief disruption of the event.
Several Members of Parliament have publicly condemned the incident, characterizing it as a threat to the President’s safety.
