President William Ruto, on Thursday morning, contacted select Kenyans ahead of his State of the Nation Address in Parliament.
In the videos taken at State House, the President was filmed talking to Masoud Abdullahi, a Community Health Promoter from Garissa County, a farmer and other businessmen and women across the country.
Ruto, in his effort to know how different government programmes were implemented, elicited divergent opinions from his contacts.
For instance, in his call with Abdullahi, the Head of State sought clarity on whether a programme launched during the Mashujaa Day celebrations was being implemented.
"My name is Ruto, and I saw that it was wise to call you to know how you are doing and ask how things are in Garissa. Do you know about the Community Health Promoters programme?
"I know the programme very well. We are very happy about this programme that you initiated. I have been working since 2011. I received my kits, and the machines are working. I even did practicals with it," the health worker responded.
In a separate call, the Head of State also spoke with a farmer in Embu County seeking to inquire about the effectiveness of the fertiliser programme.
However, a section of Kenyans were not pleased with the move, which they argued was a Public Relations stunt.
Some online users opined that the videos were intended to address the concerns of Kenyans who have been vocal about the rising cost of living, including the recent adjustments in prices of government services.
"No amount of PR and sanitation can work this time," Wanyama Wafula commented on X.
"Put a poll on Ruto's performance to see his support base instead. Things are bad one year after his win," Emmanuel Kimtai expressed.
Conversely, some Kenyans commended the initiative, pointing out that it would provide the Head of State with insights into the issues he should consider addressing in the upcoming State of the Nation address in Parliament.
"The best president ever! Working day and night to make Kenya great. Keep up the good work," George Kipngetich added.
