Four young men are facing serious trouble after they were arrested following an incident where a shoe was thrown at President William Ruto during his visit to Migori. The young men — Nicholas Mwita, Emanuel Chacha, Paul Mutongori, and Hezron Moherai are now being held at Kehancha Police Station while police continue their investigations.
The incident happened in Kuria West as the President was speaking to the public. A shoe flew toward him, causing alarm among his security detail and people in the crowd. Though no one was hurt, the act has been described by authorities as a serious threat to the President’s safety and a deep show of disrespect.
Police are now saying the suspects could face charges of treason, which is one of the most serious offences under Kenyan law. Treason carries the death penalty, even though President Ruto has in the past spoken about national healing and forgiveness. It remains unclear if the state will proceed with the harshest charges or consider a lighter approach.
Families of the suspects are deeply worried. They have come out to defend their loved ones, especially Nicholas Mwita. According to his relatives, he has never been in trouble with the law and may have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are pleading with authorities to release him and the others, saying justice must not be based on assumptions or public pressure.
At the same time, human rights groups are beginning to raise their voices. They are warning the government against using the law to punish young people harshly, especially when it comes to political protests or criticism. These groups believe that the state has a duty to conduct fair investigations without rushing to slap suspects with heavy charges.
They are also concerned that treating such an incident as treason might be an abuse of power meant to send a message of fear.
So far, the President’s office has not commented on the matter, and this silence has left many wondering what direction the case will take. On social media and in public spaces, Kenyans are divided. Some argue that the dignity of the presidency must be defended firmly, while others feel the state should not overreact to a shoe-throwing incident, especially when no harm was caused.
The suspects will appear before a judge once investigations are complete. Until then, their fate remains uncertain, and the country waits to see if justice will be guided by truth or political pressure.
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