Kalenjin professionals condemn Migori Ruto attack

By Newsflash Reporter

The Kalenjin Professionals Association has issued a strongly worded statement condemning what it termed as “shameful, uncouth, and uncivilized behaviour” directed at President William Ruto during his official visit to Migori County on May 4, 2025.

President Ruto was hit in the head by a shoe thrown from a crowd he was addressing at Kehancha, Migori.

The statement, released under the title Official Statement on the Incident in Migori County, expressed outrage over the actions witnessed during the President’s event, describing them as an affront not only to the person of the Head of State but also to the dignity of the Presidency and the democratic values that unite the country.

“Such acts directed at His Excellency the President of the Republic of Kenya are not only an affront to the dignity of the Presidency but also a threat to the peace, unity, and democratic principles that bind us as a nation,” the statement read in part.

The group emphasized that the President, as the symbol of national unity and leadership, must be accorded the utmost respect and protection at all times, regardless of political or regional affiliations. They called on all Kenyans to uphold respect for national institutions and leaders, warning that any attack on the Head of State undermines the very fabric of the country’s democratic foundation.

Three arrested over incident

The statement came just hours after police confirmed the arrest of three individuals suspected to be involved in the chaos that marred the President’s function in Migori.

Authorities say the suspects were among a group that disrupted the event with chants, heckling, and what has been described as provocative gestures aimed at the President’s convoy.

President William Ruto addressing locals at Rongo, Migori County on 4 May, 2025. Photo/PCS

According to law enforcement officials, investigations are ongoing, and more arrests are expected. The suspects are being held at Migori Police Station and are likely to be charged with incitement and public disturbance, pending further investigations.

Security sources indicated that the disruptions appeared to be premeditated, with reports suggesting involvement of individuals linked to rival political interests in the region. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have been dispatched to Migori to unearth the full scope of the plot, including possible financiers or political backers behind the public disruption.

Call for respect for the Presidency

In its statement, the Kalenjin Professionals group urged investigative and security agencies to act with urgency and thoroughness. “We urge the relevant investigative and security agencies to move with speed, leave no stone unturned in identifying the perpetrators and their sponsors, and ensure they are brought to book,” the group said.

They further noted that the matter should not be taken lightly, citing the importance of maintaining peace and national unity at a time when Kenya is striving to recover from political polarization.

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“This unfortunate incident must not be taken lightly. We reaffirm our commitment to a peaceful, respectful, and united Kenya,” the statement added.

The Professionals’ response mirrors concerns raised by various national leaders and civil society organizations who have decried rising incidents of political intolerance and public disrespect toward elected leaders. Political analysts have warned that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode public trust in institutions and rekindle dangerous divisions across the country.

National attention

The Migori incident has drawn national attention, with leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition weighing in. While some opposition figures have distanced themselves from the disruption, others have accused the government of using the incident to clamp down on dissent.

As the country awaits further details from the investigations, pressure is mounting on the authorities to handle the case transparently and fairly, while ensuring that respect for the presidency is upheld across all counties, regardless of political leanings.