Paul Juma Makhandia

An expected dramatic episode has put Migori county (Kenya) into a national spotlight this weekend after the Presidential rally was put to a standstill. This happened during president Ruto’s address to the public. It is reported that while the head of state was addressing important issues on the government’s approach to high cost of living, an identified goon from the crowd hurled a shoe directly at the face of the President which stirred commotion and unease.

In a swift mode of self -prevention, the Head of State deflected the incoming shoe hitting his left arm sustaining no injury. The rally was momentarily halted and the President continued with his speech as if nothing serious had happened. His security quickly took charge and restored calm. It was later reported that three individuals have been arrested following the shameful incident.

The episode of shoe -throwing is interpreted by many cultures as a form of insult, dissatisfaction and a kind of protest. This has reignited the same episode in 2008, when a journalist threw a shoe at then U.S. President George W. Bush during a press conference in Iraq. Yet in Kenya in 2014, in the same Migori county, the former President Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta had a similar experience. These incidences have always caused lots of strained ties between the local government and the national government.

This latest incident comes amid national outcry and public frustration on the high cost of living, economic strives and unmatched policies and strategies. Of resent times the government has tried to cover up its shame incorporating the opposition in the cabinet and shelving some tax proposals. The hurling of the shoe and numerous demonstrations is a clear indicator of a discord between the public and the government.

Amidst the disruption, the head of state summarized his address by urging the public to remain patient enough and to give his government ample time to face the economic crisis and fulfil the promises they made when they came into power.