Throughout history, a few world leaders have been targets of unusual protests — such as being hit or nearly hit by shoes. These acts are often symbolic, expressing dissatisfaction or anger toward political decisions.
On May 4, 2025, during an Affordable Housing event in Migori County, Kenya, President William Ruto had a shoe thrown at him. Security officers swiftly reacted, arresting three suspects. The President regained his balance as his security team handled the situation.
Former U.S. President George W. Bush faced a similar moment in 2008 in Baghdad during a press briefing. An Iraqi journalist hurled both shoes at him in protest of the Iraq war, though Bush dodged them. The attacker was jailed but later released.
In 2013, Iran’s former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad narrowly escaped being hit by a shoe in Cairo, likely due to his stance on the Syrian conflict. Egyptian security dealt with the incident promptly.
Australia’s former Prime Minister John Howard also faced a shoe protest in 2010 during a live show, triggered by his support for the Iraq war. He avoided the shoes and carried on with the event.
Iranian opposition figure Mehdi Karroubi wasn’t so lucky — in 2009, he was hit in the face during a public event in Tehran. The attack came from a political rival’s supporter.
In 2014, while addressing a conference in Las Vegas, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also dodged a shoe. The thrower was arrested, and Clinton continued her speech calmly.
These incidents show how public figures can become targets of unusual acts during moments of tension or protest. While often symbolic, such acts highlight the deep emotions that politics can stir among citizens.
By Kenyans