Deputy President, William Ruto was on a charm offensive in Migori County on Saturday, September 25. He was in the company of the county governor, Okoth Obado among other leaders.
In what looked like an attempt to charm hustlers in the area and the region at large, which is often considered ODM leader Raila Odinga's stronghold, the DP splashed money in generous amounts.
While addressing his supporters who had flocked the streets, the DP spotted a woman with an umbrella and paid Ksh20,000 for it, much to the delight of residents who cheered him on.
Ruto asked the woman to pass him the umbrella as it was drizzling and in return, he asked his aides who were in his vehicle to give her Ksh20,000.
In yet another incident, the DP was seen having a private conversation with a young man on crutches whom he gave Ksh20,000, much to the excitement of those in the crowds.
The crowd cheered when they saw the DP acknowledging and gifting the young man before he was lifted back to the crowd by his friends from the DP's motorcade.
Ruto had earlier donated Ksh2 million to boda boda Saccos and small-scale traders in Awendo, Migori County where he had attended a church service.
The deputy president directed that Ksh1.5 million be given to 48 boda boda Saccos in the constituency, and the Ksh500,000 be issued to mama mbogas.
“The money I have given you is little. Next year, we won’t give you money in cash. We’ll set aside Ksh120 million in every constituency to empower small-scale traders such as boda boda operators and mama mbogas,” Dr Ruto stated.
He urged Awendo residents to vote for him, noting that he is best-suited to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022. The DP told the congregation he has Kenya's best interest at heart.
The DP was accompanied by Governor Obado, MPs Mathias Robi, Marwa Kitayama, Silvanus Osoro, Ndindi Nyoro, former Awendo MP Jared Opiyo and former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara.
In 2019, DP Ruto's son Nick Kipkurgat Ruto sparked debate, with many wondering if has political ambitions after he donated thousands of shillings in Siaya during a fundraiser.
Together with his close allies including Jubilee Youth League official Victor Ayugi, George Maina, Brian Mundinia and others, they conducted a fundraiser in aid of Nyamasore Catholic Church in Rarieda Constituency.
Reports indicated that the young Ruto made a personal contribution of Ksh250,000 and together with others, raised Ksh800,000 for the church.
While speaking during the fundraising, Nick asked parents to instil good societal values in their children and put them closer to the word of God.
