Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has condemned the incident in which a shoe was hurled at President William Ruto during his tour of Migori County on Sunday.
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 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.
The statement by Mwaura comes even as three people cool their heels in police custody after they were arrested in connection the incident.
Interior
Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the arrest.
Political leaders across the divide have also condemned the
incident.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi warned of the
potentially serious consequences of such actions, urging respect for the
presidency despite political differences.
“We may have political differences and a hostile
attitude toward the government, but throwing a shoe at President Ruto was
irresponsible. What if the attacker had a real weapon, like a pistol? Ruto
could have been taken out,” he cautioned during a Citizen TV talk show.
National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee
Chairperson Nelson Koech expressed deep concern, calling the incident a
dangerous escalation.
“We’ve taken a joke too far and must protect the Head
of State. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has even warned Ruto not to
revisit the Mt. Kenya region,” Koech said, also speaking on Citizen TV.
Senator Richard Onyonka strongly condemned the attack,
stating plainly, “For me, there is no justification for this whatsoever.”
This
event revived the 2015 incident when then-President Uhuru Kenyatta
faced a shoe-throwing episode in Migori, leading to stalled development projects
in the region.