Migori County, Kenya – On Sunday, May 4, 2025, President William Ruto was addressing a public rally in Migori County when a protester threw a shoe at him. The incident occurred as the President spoke about initiatives to reduce the nation’s high cost of living. Reuters

In a moment captured on multiple videos circulating on social media, President Ruto managed to deflect the shoe with his arm and continued his speech uninjured. The act of shoe-throwing is widely recognized as a form of protest, symbolizing strong dissent. Reuters

Following the incident, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that three individuals were arrested in connection with the protest. The Star+9Reuters+9Nation Africa+9

This event underscores the growing public frustration over economic challenges in Kenya. Despite recent government efforts to address these issues, including the withdrawal of proposed tax hikes and the inclusion of opposition members in the cabinet, discontent remains high among the populace. Reuters+1News Hub+1

The Migori incident also evokes memories of a similar event in 2015 when a shoe was thrown at then-President Uhuru Kenyatta during a visit to the same county. That incident led to the stalling of significant infrastructure projects in the region. K24 Digital+4The Star+4Reuters+4

As the government navigates these challenges, the recent incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the concerns of Kenyan citizens.