KNCHR Issues 3 Demands Over Ruto Shoe Throwing Incident
KNCHR on Monday, May 5, also called upon Kenyans to actively promote tolerance, respectful dialogue, and constructive engagement on all matters of national importance.
Marvin Chege 
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has called upon all Kenyans to condemn violence and disrespect in all forms following an incident in which President William Ruto was struck by a shoe while addressing a rally in Migori County on Sunday, May 4.
In a statement, KNCHR on Monday, May 5, also called upon Kenyans to actively promote tolerance, respectful dialogue, and constructive engagement on all matters of national importance.
"We must collectively uphold the national values enshrined in Article 10 of our Constitution, particularly national unity and human dignity," stated KNCHR in part.
Furthermore, the rights body called on political leaders and actors to lead by example by fostering a political environment characterised by civility, mutual respect, and issue-based discourse, adding that leaders have a heightened responsibility to discourage violence and intolerance among their supporters.
KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris during a meeting on March 7, 2025. /FACEBOOK
In the third demand, law enforcement agencies were urged to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law, while respecting the rights of the accused.
KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris, while condemning the incident, described the act as deplorable, stating that such conduct “has no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.”
Dr Nyeris pointed out that under Article 131, the President represents national unity and has a responsibility to uphold it, adding that any aggressive actions toward the President, like the recent shoe-throwing incident, disrespect the office and can damage national unity.
“Throwing objects constitutes a violent act that undermines the right to peaceful expression and disrespects not just the individual targeted, but the constitutional framework itself,” the commission stated.
The Commission also cited Section 6 of the Public Order Act, which bans bringing weapons to public events, saying the shoe-throwing violated that law.
KNCHR emphasised that Article 10 of the Constitution outlines key national values—like patriotism, unity, dignity, and respect for the rule of law—and attacking the President, even symbolically, goes against these values and counts as violent behaviour, whether or not someone was hurt.
They also highlighted that while free speech is protected under Article 33, it has limits. It doesn’t cover violent or hateful actions. People upset with government decisions should use peaceful and legal methods, like protests or petitions, instead of turning to hostility.
The Commission warned that if such actions aren’t dealt with, they could spark more division and roll back progress in democracy and human rights.
Police confirmed the arrest of three suspects linked to the incident, who are now being questioned. Officials have labelled the event a major security lapse.
