Peace and security experts in Trans Nzoia have said the officers in charge of protecting the president should be held accountable for what happened to President William Ruto in Migori, where he was hurled with a shoe.
Led by Philemon Samoei, a peace and conflict researcher, the experts said Ruto’s bodyguards failed to do their work as expected.
“As a security expert with wide experience, I can categorically state that the officers charged with the responsibility of protecting the Head of State should be held personally liable for not doing their work as required. From the look of things, it is clear that there were serious security lapses because there was no situational awareness and the President was not given a proper security advisory,” Samoei told Uasin Gishu News.
The ex-military officer further called on Kenyans to tolerate their political leaders instead of unleashing violence on them in political rallies.
“Seemingly, the president was trying to address disgruntled citizens nonetheless, citizens should also be tolerant with their leaders and send them home in the 2027 elections if they feel they have not delivered what they promised,” he urged Kenyans.
Worrying trend in Kenya ahead of 2027 polls
Samoei also said there is a worrying trend of Kenyans resorting to taking the law into their own hands and warned that if allowed to go unchecked, it could lead to chaos in the 2027 general elections.
On his part, Eliud Tormoi, a political and governance expert, called on politicians to listen to Kenyans and address their concerns.
“This government was elected based on uplifting the less fortunate in society, and that is why we talked of bottom-up economic transformation. Kenyans are disgruntled because the government of the day has not fulfilled its campaign promises,” Tormoi stated.
Political leaders led by Endebess Constituency Member of Parliament, Dr. Robert Pukose, also condemned the Migori incident.
“Even if you don’t agree with Ruto or his policies, you can throw a shoe at him. That is both hatred and disrespect to the President’s personality and office,” Pukose told the press at Endebess.
Kalenjin professionals and elders have also called for the respect of President Ruto.
