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Ruto hit with shoe in Migori

President William Ruto

A shoe could be seen flying from the crowd, hitting President Ruto who was mid-speech.

Photo credit: Pool

What you need to know:

  • The incident happened when the Head of State was visiting Migori to launch government projects.
  • Nation sought comments from security officials in Migori but they said they are not aware of the incident.

President William Ruto’s tour of Migori County experienced a hiccup after he was hit with a shoe while addressing a rally in Kuria West on Sunday.

A shoe could be seen flying from the crowd, hitting President Ruto who was mid-speech.

The incident happened when the Head of State was visiting Migori to launch government projects. The President is on a three-day development tour of the region.

Earlier, Dr Ruto visited Suna East where he attended an inter-denominational prayer service.

He then moved to Suna West where he launched the construction of Piny Oyie Technical Training Institute before commissioning sub county offices.

All these events had no drama and the President addressed the residents, giving updates on the government's development plans.

When he moved to Kuria, a crowd that was waiting for him became difficult to manage. As President Ruto spoke, the crowd started surging towards the podium. It is in the melee that an unidentified person threw a shoe at the President.

William Ruto

President William Ruto addresses residents of Suna West in Migori County after he commissioned the sub county office on May 4, 2025.

Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group

President Ruto was gesturing when the shoe flew to his face, but he managed to block it.

In his Facebook page, the Head of State said the government is implementing a transformative development agenda that will ensure that no part of our country is marginalised or left behind.

"Broke ground for the 298-unit Kehancha Affordable Housing Project," reads part of the post which was accompanied by pictures.

But during the incident, the video was temporarily switched off with only music being heard in the background.

Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohamed said the incident happened because residents were eager to see the President and wanted to get closer to him.

"It shows that these people love you. They just wanted to be closest to you," she said.

Nation sought comments from security officials in Migori but they said they are not aware of the incident.

"I accompanied the President to Suna East and West. The regional secretary team was together with him," Police Commander Francis Nguli said.