It’s a moment that got out of hand! Itumbi on Ruto shoe incident

Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi /HANDOUT

Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi now says that the incident where a shoe was thrown towards President William Ruto in Kehancha was just a light moment that got out of hand.

In a statement coupled with new footage of what actually transpired before the leading to the video widely circulated seeing Ruto blocking the shoe with his arm, Itumbi described it as a moment that quickly escalated.

“Having reviewed the Migori footage — the facts are clear. What started as a light moment quickly escalated. That was just a moment that got out of hand,” he wrote.

A closer look at the video shows people in the crowd that had gathered to listen to the President with their phones on their hands.

A man is then seen raising his shoe in what seems like an imitation of those capturing the moment with their phones.

A hand then appears from next to him, hits the shoe, and that is when it flew towards where the Head of State was standing, but Ruto managed block the shoe.

Itumbi further said that he is looking for the owner of the shoe because a friend of his want to gift him a phone with an actual camera.

“Now — I’m actually looking for the owner of the 'shoe-camera'. A friend of mine Sam Mburu is offering a real phone for the 'shoe-cam' guy so that he can in future create content with a real camera. So he can channel that creativity into content, just like he wanted.

“Help me find him. Inbox if you know who he is,” he said on Monday.

Videos going viral on social media showed the president dodging a flying shoe as he addressed a group of locals in Kehancha in Kuria West.

The incident has sparked massive reactions among Kenyans, with Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura terming it a step back in inculcating good morals among children. 

"The government strongly condemns the incident that occurred in Kehancha, Migori County. We must respect the institution of the presidency.

“Those behind this shameful act must be apprehended. What values are we teaching our children? Let us be patriotic, let us uphold peace,” Mwaura stated.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the arrest. 

Political leaders across the divide have also condemned the incident.