A dramatic moment unfolded on Sunday, May 4, when President William Ruto was targeted with a shoe while addressing residents of Migori County.
The President, who was speaking about the rising cost of living, managed to deflect the shoe with his arm and continued his speech, visibly unshaken.
Three individuals have since been arrested in connection with the incident.The shoe-throwing act ,reminiscent of a similar episode involving former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Migori in 2014, has triggered a flood of reactions from Kenyans, both online and offline.
Some citizens have condemned the act as outright disrespectful to the presidency. Among them is TikTok creator @markavvelo.daddy, a vocal beneficiary of the presidential ClimateWorX project. In a visibly emotional video, he expressed deep anger and disappointment, stating, “This is not how we express frustrations. You may not like the man, but you respect the seat.” His video has since gone viral, sparking further debate on digital platforms.
On the other hand, a significant portion of the population views the act as a symbol of pent-up frustration. With rising inflation, fuel prices, and food shortages, many feel unheard and pushed to the edge. For them, the shoe was not just a projectile, it was a protest.
“This is what happens when leaders are detached from the real struggles of the people,” one X user posted. Others have used the moment to call for government accountability, highlighting how economic pain has eclipsed political decorum for many Kenyans.
This divided response speaks to a nation at a crossroads, grappling with both respect for institutions and the desperate need for tangible solutions to pressing economic challenges.Whether seen as disgrace or defiance, the incident has once again highlighted the fragile relationship between leaders and the people they serve.
