President Ruto given the George Bush treatment as shoe thrown at him in Migori
Image: President Ruto during the launch of CRSP in Nairobi, Kenya.A video of a shoe being thrown at President William Ruto during his three-day development tour quickly went viral on X, drawing widespread attention and igniting fierce online debate. Ruto, who was speaking about reducing farming costs, calmly blocked the shoe with his hand, paused momentarily, and continued his address.
Three individuals were arrested, but Ruto reportedly ordered their release, emphasizing national development over punitive action.
Reactions on X—from politicians to everyday Kenyans—were sharply divided, reflecting deep concerns about security, political tensions, and the broader state of the country.
Commentator @edgarwabwire_ dismissed the incident as “staged,” describing the people of Migori as “peaceful and hospitable” and hinting at political manipulation.
@suarez_rop expressed disbelief, writing in Kiswahili: “Huku Migori mmeamua kulinga President William Ruto, Na kiatu, hii Ni maajabu,” noting the shoe narrowly missed the president’s head.
Critic @Mosescampton mocked the situation: “Ruto went to Migori for votes and left with a shoe endorsement—finally, something aimed at him that wasn’t staged. #RutoMustGo,” underscoring anti-government sentiment.
Others condemned the act outright. @ManassehGikony2, a local resident, called it a “calculated move,” urging respect for the presidency. @_Harrison_NM echoed the sentiment, stating, “It doesn’t matter which side you’re on… throwing a shoe at President Ruto is completely unacceptable. The culprit should be arrested and charged.”
Pro-government voice @KiprotichVince labeled the act “reckless and disrespectful,” calling it a “shameful display of indiscipline.” MP Anthony Kibagendi (@citymirrorKE) warned of the security implications, saying, “What if it was a pistol instead of a shoe? Ruto’s life was in real danger.”
Some X users pointed to deeper issues. @omondike_ criticized the apparent security failure, writing, “What if that shoe was a bullet? It was aimed at his head… I may not support Ruto, but this was really low.” Others questioned the competence of his security detail, asking, “If a shoe can get through, what about something worse?”
View this post on Instagram
Several posts linked the incident to broader discontent, including the 2024 anti-tax protests, with some warning it signaled deeper unrest tied to economic pressures and public dissatisfaction with governance.
Historical parallels also surfaced, with comparisons to the 2008 shoe-throwing incident involving U.S. President George W. Bush.
Ruto’s decision to release the suspects received mixed reactions. While some viewed it as an act of statesmanship, critics like @omondike_ feared it might embolden similar future behavior. One sarcastic user remarked, “Eagerness doesn’t look like a flying shoe,” rejecting the idea that the act was born out of enthusiasm for Ruto’s visit.
Local leaders expressed regret. One X post shared a Kuria leader’s apology, expressing concern that the act could endanger key development projects, including infrastructure and a 298-unit housing scheme.
The Migori incident, as debated across X, laid bare Kenya’s polarized political climate and ongoing concerns over public frustration and presidential security.
