Legislators raise concerns on President Ruto's security after flying shoe incident

This comes after President Ruto was hit by a flying shoe while addressing a public rally in Migori County on Sunday.

Speaking to Citizen TV on Monday, the political leaders raised concerns on the President's safety, if he can be easily targeted while in public.

Senator Nyutu condemned the incident, noting that the matter should be addressed expeditiously to prevent a future occurrence.

"The president is the symbol of unity and anything happening to him will affect the nation in a big way and we pray that such an incident does not happen again," Senator Nyutu noted.

On his part, MP Koech said the target was "a joke taken too far" and it undermines Kenya's democracy because Ruto is the national unity fulcrum.

He condemned the incident, adding that it should raise an alarm in President Ruto's security detail to devise better ways to protect him.

"You can imagine if that shoe was a bullet and we have to look at the history of other countries. People joke about the security of a president. This is how it starts. We must secure the head of state. William Ruto is a father, a husband and has a community," he said.

"In West Africa, you have seen assassination and there is never peace in those countries because this is how it starts. It took a bold step for someone to pick their shoe and at the Head of State. It is something he has been contemplating."

Echoing his sentiments, MP Kibagendi added that the incident posed a threat to the presidency and it should not be ignored.

Three suspects linked to the incident have been arrested as a security officer who spoke on anonymity confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that more suspects are being pursued.

He added that preliminary findings suggest the incident may have been politically motivated and possibly premeditated ahead of the President’s visit.