3 Arrested After President Ruto Hit With Flying Shoe
Authorities are reportedly narrowing their focus on a key suspect believed to play a central role in the case, which could prove pivotal to the investigation.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Police in Kuria West, Migori County, on Sunday, May 4, arrested three individuals suspected of attempting to hurl a shoe at President William Ruto while he addressed residents in the Kehancha area.
A security official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the case, confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that additional suspects are being sought.
The official further stated that preliminary investigations indicate the incident may have been politically driven and potentially premeditated ahead of the President’s visit.
Authorities are reportedly narrowing their focus on a key suspect believed to play a central role in the case, which could prove pivotal to the investigation.
President Ruto hit by a flying shoe during his address at Kehancha Town in Migori County#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/8ZuYxm5lrj — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) May 4, 2025
President Ruto narrowly escaped a shoe aimed at his head, blocking it with his arm while addressing a large crowd in Migori.
In the five-second video, which went viral, the Head of State was seen deflecting a shoe that flew past security and came dangerously close to hitting his head. “Tupunguze gharama ya…” President Ruto was heard saying this before the shoe hit his head.
Earlier images released by the Presidential Communication Service (PCS) showed President Ruto standing on a small raised platform, surrounded by a large crowd.
Security personnel, primarily from the General Service Unit (GSU), formed a perimeter around the President. However, because the podium was elevated, the guards remained at ground level with the crowd, managing the situation from below to prevent any breach toward the dais.
President Ruto, who was in Migori County on a three-day working tour, had to momentarily pause his speech while discussing the high cost of living due to the unexpected disruption.
Even before the incident, there were signs that the President’s security might be at risk. His podium was positioned unusually close to the crowd, and the audience appeared restless. Amateur videos from the scene show the crowd constantly shifting and murmuring during his speech.
Additionally, security officers stationed several meters away struggled to keep the highly energised crowd at bay. When the shoe was thrown, one officer swiftly moved to shield the President.
The episode draws parallels to the 2008 incident in Baghdad, where then-U.S. President George W. Bush narrowly dodged a shoe thrown by Iraqi journalist Muntadhar al-Zaidi during a press conference. Before being subdued, al-Zaidi managed to throw a second shoe, which also missed. Bush later joked about it, saying, “All I can report is it’s a size 10.”
