Migori shoe incident reflects Kenyans' growing frustration

I stand with Kenyans of goodwill in condemning the unfortunate act of throwing a shoe at President William Ruto in Migori on May 4, 2025. If the shoe was deliberately aimed at him, this is a clear sign of political intolerance that must be rejected.

Am I defending the President? No. Like many other Kenyans who shared the hope that he would stay faithful to his 2022 campaign promises, I am disappointed. At the time, he said that reducing the cost of living would be simple, arguing that Kenyans' hardships were artificial and resulted from poor leadership. So, many Kenyans trusted that his leadership would bring relief.

Reflecting on his tenure so far, I ask myself a difficult but necessary question: Can I vote for him again in 2027? The answer, as things stand, is no. Unless he convincingly demonstrates that he can improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans and rein in those within his administration who often treat citizens with condescension rather than respect, I will think twice.

Leadership is not just about promises but about action, accountability, and earning people’s trust through meaningful change.

However, as we grapple with dissatisfaction over governance, it remains imperative that we uphold dignity, civility, and maturity in our engagement with the presidency. This is a fundamental principle that transcends political differences.

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While we may challenge Dr Ruto’s leadership and demand accountability, we must do so in ways that reflect the values of a responsible and democratic society.

In early April, the President embarked on a five-day tour of the Mount Kenya region. There was strong fear that he would be treated with hostility. However, that did not happen. Instead, the people welcomed him warmly, and no unrest or barrages were directed at him.

Following this event, I wrote wrote an article here on April 4, 2025, titled 'Ruto’s warm reception evidence of political maturity in Mt Kenya.” The article’s central argument was that respecting the President's office and listening to what he had to say was a sign of political maturity.

While this precedent of civility in Mount Kenya was commendable, the shoe-throwing incident in Migori on May 4, 2025, was not just an act of physical aggression but a symbol of growing frustration among Kenyans.

Ruto must ask himself why so many citizens are angry with his administration. Kenya Kwanza cannot afford to dismiss such acts as mere opposition politics. Instead, they must examine themselves and address the people’s grievances.

To illustrate the importance of introspection in leadership, let us turn to an enduring lesson from Socrates as recorded in Plato’s book Apology. Socrates stood trial in 399 BCE, accused, among other things, of teaching the youth to question authority and encouraging critical thinking that challenged those who claimed to be wise.

Ultimately, the court sentenced Socrates to death. He did not resist or plead for mercy but instead accepted the ruling, declaring that a life without questioning and truth-seeking was worse than death. From this moment came his famous words: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”

This lesson is highly relevant to any government that assumes it knows more than the public. Some leaders within Ruto’s administration appear detached from the realities on the ground, failing to recognise the everyday struggles of the people they govern.

The Kenya Kwanza administration must take a step back, conduct a solemn self-examination, and understand why Kenyans are increasingly dissatisfied with their leadership. Ignoring this frustration will only deepen the disconnect between the government and the people.

We all know that leadership is not built on forceful loyalty but trust, respect, and accountability. If the President and his administration wish to regain Kenyans’ confidence, they must demonstrate through their actions that they genuinely care about the people’s welfare.

The takeaway is that authentic leadership lies in earning the support of the people, since it is always better to be defended by the people than to defend oneself from the people.

-Dr Ndonye is a senior lecturer at Kabarak University’s Department of Mass Communication