The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) strongly condemns the deplorable incident that occurred on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, in Kuria West, Migori County, where an object, reported to be a shoe, was thrown towards His Excellency President William Ruto during a public address. Such acts of disrespect against the Head of State, or indeed any individual, are unacceptable and have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
This incident is deeply regrettable and stands in stark contrast to the democratic principles enshrined in our Constitution. While Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya guarantees that "Every person has the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities," this fundamental right is predicated on peaceful and unarmed conduct. Throwing objects, an act of violence and disrespect, fundamentally violates the requirement for peaceful expression and undermines the very rights Article 37 seeks to protect. Such actions are not a legitimate form of petition or demonstration but rather an unacceptable resort to aggression that endangers public order and disrespects constitutionally established authority. Additionally, Section 6 of the Public Order Act forbids individuals from carrying offensive weapons while attending a public meeting or procession.
This unfortunate incident further represents a significant departure from the values of respect, decorum, and tolerance that should characterize our public discourse and interactions, particularly concerning national leadership. The Constitution, in Article 131(1)(e), explicitly establishes the President as "a symbol of national unity." Furthermore, Article 131(2)(c) mandates the President to "promote and enhance the unity of the nation." Therefore such actions of public disorder undermine the dignity of the Office of the President and therefore strike at the heart of our national cohesion and the very symbol of our unity as a people.
Moreover, Article 10 of the Constitution outlines the national values and principles of governance that bind all State organs, State officers, public officers, and all persons. These values include patriotism, national unity, human dignity, inclusiveness, and respect 2 for the rule of law. Throwing objects at any person, let alone the Head of State during a public function, is a blatant disregard for human dignity and constitutes an act of violence, regardless of whether physical injury occurs. It fosters an environment of intolerance and political hostility that is detrimental to the democratic health and stability of our nation.
While the Constitution guarantees freedom of expression under Article 33, this right is not absolute and does not extend to acts that incite violence, advocate hatred, or constitute violence itself. Disagreement with policies or leadership should be expressed through constitutionally provided avenues, such as peaceful assembly, petition, and democratic participation, not through acts of aggression,
The Commission firmly believes that upholding respect for established institutions and leadership is crucial for maintaining peace, order, and national unity. Such incidents, if left unchecked, can erode public trust, encourage lawlessness, and potentially incite further acts of violence, undermining the progress Kenya has made in consolidating its democracy and promoting a culture of human rights.
In light of this regrettable event, the KNCHR calls upon:
1. All Kenyans: To unequivocally condemn violence and disrespect in all its forms and to actively promote tolerance, respectful dialogue, and constructive engagement on all matters of national importance. We must collectively uphold the national values enshrined in Article 10 of our Constitution, particularly national unity and human dignity.
2. Political Leaders and Actors: To lead by example by fostering a political environment characterized by civility, mutual respect, and issue-based discourse. Leaders have a heightened responsibility to discourage violence and intolerance among their supporters.
3. Law Enforcement Agencies: To conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law, while respecting the rights of the accused.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a society where human rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled for all, and where national unity and the rule of law prevail. KNCHR urges all Kenyans to embrace dialogue, tolerance, and respect for one another and for the institutions established under our Constitution.
Haki Kwa Wote Kila Wakati!
Dr. Raymond Nyeris, PhD,
Vice Chairperson
Kenya National Commission on Human Rights