We’re sorry! Kuria leaders speak on Ruto’s shoe attack

The event, captured on video and widely circulated online, showed the President deflecting a shoe thrown from the crowd he was addressing at the Kehancha Municipal Grounds.

President Ruto was in the area as part of a three-day development tour across Migori County.

The incident occurred shortly after he had launched an affordable housing project in Kehancha.

Speaking at a press briefing, Principal Secretary for Social Protection and Senior Citizens, Joseph Motari, firmly dismissed claims of a coordinated attack, calling it an isolated act by misguided individuals.

He emphasised that neither the community nor its leadership was involved in any plan to embarrass the Head of State.

“We’re working closely with security agencies to understand the motive and identify those responsible,” said Motari.

He added that initial reports indicated the individuals involved were intoxicated and had already been taken into custody by the time of the incident.

Motari questioned whether external influence might have played a role in provoking the incident, noting that if there had been any organised plot, local leaders would have been aware and taken steps to prevent it.

Migori County Deputy Governor, Dr. Joseph Mahiri, also condemned the act, expressing concern over the embarrassment caused to the President.

“This was not representative of the Kuria community. It was the action of a few misguided youths. On behalf of the entire community, I sincerely apologise to the President,” said Mahiri.

He reaffirmed the region's longstanding support for President Ruto, which he said goes back to his days as Deputy President and will continue through to 2032.

Mahiri also revealed plans to convene a community forum to assess the impact of the incident and reinforce unity.

Patrick Marwa, Member of the County Assembly for Makerero, spoke on behalf of the youth, acknowledging their restraint in not escalating the situation further.

“We were hurt and disappointed, but we chose to stay calm and let law enforcement handle the matter,” said Marwa.

President Ruto's development tour continues, with scheduled stops in Uriri, Awendo, Rongo, and Nyatike constituencies.

He is expected to return to the Kuria region to inspect the Ntimaru ESP Market, launch another housing project in Ntimaru, and hand over a school bus to Gokeharaka Secondary School in Kuria West.