Gakuya expresses worry about Ruto’s security after shoe incident
The flying shoe, which almost hit President William Ruto as he was addressing residents of the Kehancha area on Sunday, May 4, 2025, has continued to generate a myriad of reactions across the country.
While a section of Kenyans on social media capitalised on the incident to create memes and other funny videos, the incident has received condemnation in equal measure.
Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya is among those who have come to raise concerns regarding the flying shoe incident.
Speaking to a local TV station on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Gakuya, a critic of President Ruto, argued that the incident portrayed a laxity in presidential security.
He wondered how the shoe was hurled until it almost hit the head of state, yet he was protected by an elite unit. Gakuya questioned what the result could have been if that were a dangerous weapon.
“President Ruto has the best security team, but it is unfortunate that the shoe flew all the way to where the head of state was. This means there is a lacuna and laxity in security,” Gakuya stated.
“Ask yourself, if probably the shoe had a bomb inside and it blew at the point where he blocked it, what would be the result?” he posed.
Worry to Kenyans
According to Gakuya, the incident was worrying, implying that if Ruto could face a security scare, what about the normal citizens?
Gakuya, an ally of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, called on security bosses to re-evaluate their strategies and ensure the head of state is fully protected.
He further implored the security bosses to trickle down the operation to ensure normal citizens are also accorded and assured of their safety.
“This demonstrates that Kenyans are insecure if the president can be penetrated in such a manner,” the MP stated while calling for better protection.
Ruto’s security
Ruto is guarded by the Presidential Escort Unit (PEU), a division of the Kenya Police that was established by Section 24 of the National Police Service Act, 2011.
PEU has 200 officers attached to the head of state and another 45 attached to the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The unit consists of highly trained and equipped firearm handlers, defensive drivers, riders, snipers, combat leads, explosives experts, and intelligence officers.
Its officers are drawn from the elite Recce Company and the General Service Unit (GSU).
