President William Ruto on his many tours across the country in 2022 gifted several Kenyans that were caught off guard.
From cars, and political seats to being acknowledged in his state functions, Ruto touched the lives of these Kenyans.
His gestures have however not been met with open arms as many criticise his generosity while highlighting the high cost of living in the country.
John Ochieng'
President Ruto recognised a carpenter, John Ochieng' during the 2022 Mashujaa Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens.
According to Ruto, Ochieng' was the perfect example of Kenya with a transformational affordable housing plan.
"I am convinced that if it is possible to provide quality and affordable housing for rent and sale then his story will be recreated multiple times," Ruto noted.
His inspiring story of acquiring one unit at Ksh3.2 million from the housing projects he was working on as a carpenter was used to inspire other casual workers.
Milicent Adhiambo
In October 2022, Ruto while commissioning the Kings Serenity affordable housing project in Rongai gifted Milicent Odhiambo a Ksh1.7 million brand-new car.
The homeowner was the winner of the mini raffle, an impromptu exercise introduced by Ruto to engage the homeowners.
"E101! Is the owner around? Where is Milicent? Ruto asked as Milicent made her way to the podium.
Sylvia Cheptowot
Also during the 2022 Mashujaa Day celebrations, 16-year-old Sylvia Cheptowot was named a national hero for saving over 140 students from a gun-wielding gang.
In the February 17 incident, Cheptowot used her local dialect to communicate to the gang that the bus was full of students, she pleaded with them not to shoot at them.
"I opened my mouth and spoke in Pokot dialect, screamed, and told them we were students from Tot High School. I pleaded with them not to kill us," she narrated.
UDA Office Staff
After the General Election, Ruto's party United Democratic Alliance (UDA) awarded some of its office staff with seats in the county assemblies.
Lydia Jeptoo, a cleaner at the party office was nominated as an MCA in Nandi County. While Evans Kipyegon, a cleaner cum messenger was nominated as an MCA for Baringo County.
Additionally, Everlyn Korir who worked as a secretary made the cut for nominated MCAs. She was also chosen to represent Baringo County.
As the deputy president, Ruto also generously gifted lucky Kenyans with cars and cash. In 2020, he gifted a car to a girl who traveled from Mombasa to Murang'a to perform a poem for him.
