Security concerns over shoes worn at Deputy President William Ruto’s Migori tour

Rongo Administration Police Commander David Ngetich checks a school boy's shoes as he tries to explain to him why the police were concerned about people who wore open shoes to DP William Ruto's function in Migori on Sunday

The kind of shoes worn by men at Deputy President William Ruto’s function in Migori on Sunday was a major security concern.

Police officers exercised extreme caution in a bid to block a repeat of what happened to President Uhuru Kenyatta when rowdy youths threw shoes at him during his visit to the county last month.

But this time round as the DP visited the region, security agents scored highly against hooliganism.

Most striking was the manner in which police officers would question any youths who would be seen wearing any kind of open shoes.

Those allowed into the venue with open shoes would be followed up to the points where they sat and at least one officer would monitor their movements.

No slight suspicion was left unchallenged as the police ensured everyone entering the place was not a potential troublemaker, especially if they were wearing open shoes or carrying any shoes.

Keen to avoid a repeat of last month’s act where rogue youths threw shoes and other objects to the presidential dais, there was large numbers of officers from the Kenya Prisons, Administration and regular police to private VIP security personnel. 

CHURCH EVENT

Speaker after another, including Ruto, who addressed the gathering that mainly comprised of faithful of the church in which the DP was holding a funds drive would reflect on the shoes throwing incident that saw the Head of State cut short his address.

“When I communicated to my friends on social media, they were making fun of me that I should wear a helmet to this place (Migori). But by the time most of them were giving me that advice I had already left Nairobi for this place and it was too late,” said Ruto.

Heavy police presence characterised the DP’s visit to Migori with security agents being vigilant against any security lapse.

Randomly, the ratio of police to citizens was extraordinarily balanced, with an average of 20 attendants being manned by one officer.

This happened despite the fact that the function was a church service and, therefore, suspicious youths could not find their way into the congregation without being noticed.

POLICE PRESENCE

However, Migori County Police Commander Clement Gathogo attributed the success on security arrangement to wananchi whom he praised for co-operating with the agents in ensuring the event ran smoothly.

“It cannot be said that it was because of police presence that there was no security challenge, but it was because of the utmost goodwill and co-operation from citizens and their leaders that everything was smooth for law enforcers,” said Gathogo.

Unlike when Uhuru visited, the crowd at Ombo Primary School could be easily managed as all people were made to sit down, with security agents overlooking at least everyone in the meeting.

While hosting leaders took time to reiterate their displeasure over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the President, others were keen on cementing the apology which was made to Uhuru at State House.