Africa-Press – Kenya. Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has condemned the incident where a shoe was hurled at President William Ruto during a rally on Sunday.
The incident happened as Ruto addressed residents of Kehancha in Kuria West, Migori county.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Mwaura said the behaviour was unacceptable, questioning the values society was intilling in children.
He, however, said that the President has a big heart and has since forgiven those behind the incident.
At least three people had been arrested over the incident.
“The government strongly condemns the shameful act of throwing a dirty shoe at the President. This is completely unacceptable. What kind of behaviour are we teaching our children?” Mwaura posed.
“However, our President, having a big heart, has forgiven those responsible,” he said.
He did not, however, reveal whether those in custody over the incident had been released following the presidential pardon.
Mwaura said the institution of the Presidency must be respected at all costs, adding that the President is a symbol of national unity.
“It is unacceptable under any circumstances to endanger the life of our President,” he warned.
Mwaura called out Kenyans making light of the incident, sharing jokes online, or undermining the Presidency, saying it is shameful and unpatriotic.
According to a police report from Kehancha police station, the three suspects were aiding police in investigations.
The follow-up on the incident report said the suspects are all male, aged 18, 20 and 22 years.
Police said the 18-year-old is the suspect caught on camera throwing the shoe at the President.
The report added that the second and third suspects were heckling while the head of state was delivering his speech.
“All three are from Kuria West, Komasincha, and Taranganya locations. All three were arrested at Kehancha town,” the police report revealed.
Police had earlier indicated that investigations were ongoing and that more suspects were being pursued.
A short five-second video captured the moment when a person from the crowd hurled a shoe as Ruto addressed the public, hitting him on the head.
The President blocked the shoe as it landed on him.
Security officers tasked with protecting the President quickly rushed to the stage, and the meeting was disrupted for a few minutes.
The security team pushed the crowd away from near the dais even as the President told them to stop.
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