Shoe Thrown at Kenya’s President Ruto During Rally in Migori

NAIROBI (Reuters) — In a dramatic moment captured on social media, Kenya’s President William Ruto narrowly avoided a shoe thrown at him during a speech on the rising cost of living, a topic that has sparked widespread discontent across the nation. At a rally in Migori county, located in western Kenya, Ruto was speaking about his government’s efforts to address the financial struggles of ordinary citizens. As he spoke, a shoe was hurled in his direction, hitting his arm before landing on the ground with a small puff of dust. Despite the disruption, Ruto continued speaking, asking the crowd, “We have said we are reducing the price of fertilizer, true or false?” as if undeterred by the incident. The frustration towards Ruto’s leadership has been palpable. Although he recently reversed plans for tax hikes and invited opposition figures to join his cabinet in an attempt to ease tensions, dissatisfaction with the government remains high, particularly over rising living costs. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that three individuals were arrested in connection with the incident, according to The Star newspaper. The dramatic moment echoed a similar incident in 2008 when U.S. President George W. Bush had a shoe thrown at him by an Iraqi journalist in protest of the chaos caused by the U.S.-led invasion. The act of defiance is often seen as a potent symbol of public anger against political leaders. (Reporting by Hereward Holland and Humphrey Malalo; Editing by Ammu Kannampilly and Andrew Cawthorne)