Shortly after a video began circulating online showing an unexpected moment during President William Ruto’s address, Kenyans quickly took to social media to share their reactions in humorous and creative ways. The clip, which lasted just a few seconds, showed the president momentarily interrupted, leading to widespread engagement across platforms like X and TikTok.
Many Kenyans showcased their trademark wit, creating puns and memes that played off the word “shoe”—a reference to the item seen flying through the air in the video. Social media users, especially on X, were quick to turn the incident into a trending topic filled with light-hearted commentary.
Content creator Nyandia Gachago sparked waves of creative posts with her playful remarks, including:
- “Na kutamatisha habari za leo, Zakayo lazima ashoe-ke!”
- “Migori people ni watu wa Shoe-pavu sana!”
Others joined in with their own takes. One post read, “Mine is to echo what all Kenyans are saying. Kwa uyo jamaa wa Migori, pokea shoe-krani zetu!” Another added humorously, “Dereva Shoe-kisha! Enyewe huyo jamaa ni Shoe-jaa!”
The puns didn’t stop there. Posts like “Shoe-baru boys wamepata m-shoeKiwa?” and “Shoe-d we care? No, we shoe-dint!” added to the comic relief, while some users referenced familiar Kenyan pop culture, including Sol Generation and the hit song Uliza Kiatu, which saw renewed attention.
Popular X user Beverlyn Kwamboka also drew laughs with her comment: “Angekuwa amejenga barabara hiyo kiatu haingekuwa na hiyo vumbi yote.”
The online buzz quickly moved beyond just wordplay. Comedians and content creators released quick sketches and parody videos that gained rapid traction. Njugush, a well-known Kenyan comedian, shared a video that resonated widely, racking up over 340,000 views and 15,000 likes within hours.
A widely circulated image even featured a photoshopped version of the president appearing as a DJ, captioned with the phrase “Young Ndullah Baby!” — a tongue-in-cheek nod to the viral culture.
Amid the light-hearted content, an old tweet from November 2023 resurfaced, in which a user had jokingly referenced a similar situation. Many online dubbed the user a “prophetess” as the post gained renewed attention.
To wrap up the night of high online activity, activist Hanifa Adan responded to criticisms aimed at Kenyans who found humor in the situation. She emphasized the power of public expression and the importance of speaking out, saying, “Take note of everything they’re telling us not to celebrate, it’s exactly what we will celebrate.”
While the original incident drew mixed reactions, the overwhelming response online showcased Kenyans’ creativity, humor, and unique ability to find levity even in the most unexpected moments.
