Shoe thrown at Kenya’s President Ruto during rally

During a speech addressing the rising cost of living, which has sparked widespread public anger, Kenya’s President William Ruto was targeted with a shoe thrown at him. The incident, captured in multiple social media videos, shows Ruto deflecting the flying footwear with his arm, unharmed.

Despite efforts to alleviate public frustration by halting planned tax hikes and including opposition members in his cabinet, discontent remains high in the East African nation.

The incident occurred on Sunday during a rally in Migori County in western Kenya. As the shoe struck the ground, Ruto continued speaking, asking, “We have said we are reducing the price of fertilizer, true or false?” with the shoe kicking up a small dust cloud.

According to The Star newspaper, Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that three people had been arrested in connection with the incident.

The incident echoes the famous 2008 moment when then-U.S. President George W. Bush had a shoe thrown at him by an Iraqi journalist in protest of the U.S.-led invasion.

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