Iain Njiraini Says Shoe Hurling Incident at William Ruto’s Rally Shows Public Rage: "Lack of Trust"
- Political commentator Iain Njiraini weighed in on the incident in Migori where a shoe was thrown at President William Ruto, calling it a reflection of public discontent
- Njiraini likened the incident to a similar event in 2014 during former president Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure, noting a shift in the source of public anger
- He urged Kenyans to embrace political tolerance and channel their frustrations through the ballot in the 2027 General Election
TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
When a shoe flew past President William Ruto as he addressed a crowd in Migori county, it wasn't just a startling breach of protocol.
Source: UGC
It was, according to Iain Njiraini, a symbolic act reflecting the deepening mistrust between Kenyans and the current administration.
In a video posted on his Instagram account, the pilot and political commentator reflected on the Sunday, May 5 incident, noting its parallels with a 2014 occurrence during former president Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
“Yesterday we witnessed a startling event where a shoe was hurled at the president while addressing a crowd in Migori. This reminds me of a similar incident in 2014, where shoes were hurled at the presidential dais where the former president Uhuru Kenyatta was seated,” he said.
While both incidents involved public anger displayed through acts of protest, Njiraini argued that the motivations behind the incidents differ significantly.
“During Uhuru's incident, there was anger towards local leadership in Migori. However, for now, we are witnessing deep-seated frustrations and opposition from the common mwananchi towards the Kenya Kwanza regime. There is lack of trust and need of change,” he added.
What did Njiraini advise Kenyans following the Ruto Migori shoe incident?
Despite acknowledging the rage behind the act, Njiraini condemned the method of protest.
He emphasised that while the frustrations may be valid, violence or symbolic aggression against leaders is not the answer. Instead, he called on Kenyans to use democratic channels to express their dissatisfaction.
"This is not the way to air our frustrations and anger. Let's do this on the ballot box. Let's avoid the acts of violence, and shock the leaders with what they will see as the results in the ballot boxes," Njiraini advised.
His remarks come amid growing concern over Ruto’s safety, with increasing calls for tighter security following the Migori shoe-throwing incident.
Source: UGC
Leaders call for overhaul of Ruto's security after shoe incident
In a previous article by TUKO.co.ke, leaders from North Eastern Kenya, led by Hafid Mohamed, condemned the Migori incident, calling for a complete overhaul of the presidential security detail.
The leaders said the incident, which occurred in an opposition stronghold, could escalate political tensions if not addressed decisively.
They warned that such acts risk eroding the country’s hard-earned political stability and emboldening further provocations.
They also demanded a firm response from the opposition and urged renewed national political tolerance.
Legal experts also pointed out that the incident may constitute a criminal offence and an attack on the dignity of the presidency under Kenyan law.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
