Gov't spokesperson Mwaura condemns Migori shoe incident, addresses budget cuts, rising food prices

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has condemned the recent incident in Migori County in which a shoe was hurled at President William Ruto.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Mwaura termed the act a “shameful affront” to the presidency and a violation of the respect owed to public institutions.

“That act was not just disrespectful—it was a shameful affront to the institution of the presidency,” Dr. Mwaura said during a press briefing earlier today. “We must learn to engage each other constructively, even in dissent.”

The government spokesperson used the opportunity to address a wide range of national issues, including recent budget cuts, food security, and an urgent notice to pensioners.

Dr. Mwaura pushed back against growing speculation that recent budgetary adjustments—affecting former President Uhuru Kenyatta, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and former Vice Presidents Kalonzo Musyoka and Moody Awori—were politically driven.

“Let me be clear—these budgetary adjustments are not politically motivated,” he stated. “They are part of a broader plan to ensure fiscal discipline and prudent use of public resources.”

Pensioners Urged to Validate Details by May 10

Dr. Mwaura also issued a stern reminder to pensioners and their dependents receiving monthly payments from the National Treasury to validate their personal details before the looming deadline of May 10, 2025.

“We are calling on all pensioners to comply with the validation exercise,” he urged. “This is about protecting the integrity of the system and ensuring that only genuine beneficiaries are served.”

Turning to the rising cost of basic commodities, Dr. Mwaura acknowledged growing public concern over maize flour (unga) prices and assured citizens that measures were underway to address the situation.

“The government is aware of the pressures on household budgets,” he said. “We’ve already put in place strategic interventions to stabilize unga prices and ensure food remains accessible to all Kenyans.”