A bizarre moment during President William Ruto’s public address in Kehancha has triggered a viral storm and national conversation after a shoe was hurled toward the Head of State mid-speech.
The President, known for his quick reflexes, instinctively blocked the flying object in what appeared to be a coordinated crowd incident that has since gripped the public’s attention.
In response to the incident, Dennis Itumbi, Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy, downplayed the moment, describing it as “a light incident that got out of hand.”
He shared extended footage suggesting the shoe was not aimed directly at the President but was accidentally flung after a crowd member attempted to imitate others filming with their phones.
“What started as a light moment quickly escalated,” said Itumbi. He humorously added that businessman Sam Mburu had promised to gift the man behind the “shoe-cam” a real phone—if found.
However, the Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura struck a more serious tone, condemning the act and calling for greater respect for the presidency.
“We must respect the office of the President. This was a shameful act, and those responsible must be brought to justice,” Mwaura stated.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen later confirmed that one individual had been arrested in connection to the incident.
The act, while sparking online memes and creative interpretations, has also drawn criticism from across the political divide, with leaders warning against normalizing disrespectful or disruptive behavior in political forums.
Observers say the incident reflects Kenya’s tense political climate and highlights how easily moments of protest—or poorly judged stunts—can escalate and go viral in today’s digital age.
