Three suspects arrested for throwing shoe at Ruto freed as investigators say it was an accident
Investigators said that someone in the crowd had complained that the shoe was obstructing their view, leading another individual to knock it aside. This caused the shoe to be inadvertently flung toward the President.
All three suspects arrested after a shoe was thrown at President William Ruto during a visit in Migori County have been released after investigations established the act was not intentional.
The incident occurred on May 5, as President Ruto was launching a 200-unit affordable housing project in Kehancha, Kuria West Constituency, as part of his ongoing three-day working tour of Migori County.
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Security officers moved swiftly to arrest three individuals suspected of being involved. A police report from Kehancha Police Station, Kuria West Sub-County, indicated that the three were aged 18, 20, and 22 years. The three hail from Kuria West’s Komasincha and Taranganya locations.
The report identified the 18-year-old as the individual captured on video throwing the shoe in the direction of the Head of State. The other two suspects were accused of heckling while the president was addressing the crowd. All three were arrested in Kehancha town.
Detectives responded immediately after the shoe was hurled, as President Ruto briefly paused his speech. The Head of State was standing on a small mounted dais surrounded by a large crowd when the incident occurred.
Security officers assigned to the president’s protection detail rushed to the stage, temporarily disrupting the meeting. The team also moved to push the crowd away from the dais, though the President was seen urging them to calm down. At the time, it was difficult to establish who had thrown the shoe.
Despite the early panic, a detailed analysis of video footage later revealed that the act was not intentional.
The footage, viewed from another angle, showed one individual holding a shoe, seemingly mimicking others who were using their phones to record the event.
Investigators said that someone in the crowd had complained that the shoe was obstructing their view, leading another individual to knock it aside. This caused the shoe to be inadvertently flung toward the President.
Authorities have now ruled out any attempt to harm the President.
Local leaders, including members of the clergy, condemned the incident, describing it as disrespectful and shameful.
“We must uphold decorum in such events. These visits are meant to bring development and progress, not unnecessary drama,” one religious leader said.
The leaders also urged residents to support ongoing government projects and maintain order during public events.
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