President William Ruto Left Embarrassed As a Muslim Woman Publicly Rejects Hugging Him During Interaction with Mandera ResidentsPresident William Ruto faced an unexpected moment in Mandera after a Muslim woman declined to hug him during a public event.
The incident happened as the Head of State interacted with residents during his tour of Northern Kenya. Ruto began his three day visit to the region yesterday, with stops planned in several counties to inspect projects and address public gatherings.
In Mandera, large crowds turned up to welcome him. Leaders from the county joined him on stage as he greeted residents and shook hands with those seated in the front rows.
As he moved along the line of guests, the President stretched out his arms to greet a woman who had been invited forward.
The woman stepped back and avoided the embrace. She instead kept a respectful distance.
Security officers who were close to the President quickly shifted position but did not intervene. The moment passed within seconds.
Those present said the woman’s action appeared to be guided by her religious beliefs. In Islam, some women avoid physical contact with men who are not close relatives.
Mandera County has a strong Muslim population, and cultural and religious values are widely observed.
