In a striking convergence of music and political protest, H_Art the Band’s song Uliza Kiatu has skyrocketed to over 200,000 views on YouTube within hours of a dramatic incident in Migori, Kenya, where an unidentified individual hurled a shoe at President William Ruto during a public rally on May 4, 2025.
The event, which unfolded in Kehancha town, Kuria West, has sparked widespread conversation, with the song becoming an anthem for public discontent.
The incident occurred as President Ruto addressed a crowd about the rising cost of living, a contentious issue that has fueled public anger across Kenya. Videos circulating on social media captured Ruto deflecting the shoe with his arm, unharmed, before resuming his speech.
Despite the disruption, Ruto forgave the suspect and urged his security team to release them, calling for a focus on development. However, the act resonated deeply with Kenyans, many of whom view it as a bold expression of frustration with the administration’s policies, including abandoned tax hikes and economic challenges.
Uliza Kiatu, loosely translating to “Ask About the Shoe,” has been interpreted as a satirical critique of authority, making it a fitting soundtrack for the Migori incident.
Posts on X reflect the public’s sentiment, with users like @Mosescampton noting, “Ruto just dropped the remix to Uliza Kiatu only this time, the shoe spoke louder than his empty promises.” The song’s sudden surge in views some X posts claim up to 500,000 underscores its role as a cultural touchstone amid growing calls for accountability.
While some praise Ruto’s composure, others see the shoe-throwing as a symbol of resistance. As Uliza Kiatu continues to gain traction, it amplifies the voices of a frustrated populace, blending art and activism in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
By Kenyans