Kenya’s President Fends Off Flying Shoe During Rally

Kenya’s President, William Ruto, was the target of a shoe thrown at him during a rally in Migori County on Sunday, 4 May.

The incident occurred as the 58-year-old politician addressed a crowd regarding the rising cost of living, a topic that has caused widespread public frustration.

Videos shared via Twitter show the president blocking the footwear with his arm, remaining unfazed and continuing his speech.

Despite Ruto’s efforts to ease discontent, including scrapping planned tax hikes and inviting opposition members into his cabinet, frustration remains high among many Kenyans. The shoe-throwing incident has been seen as a sign of mounting public anger over the country’s economic challenges.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that three suspects had been arrested.

The act bears a striking resemblance to the infamous 2008 incident in which former United States President George W Bush had a shoe thrown at him during a press conference in Iraq.

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