This archive report was first published on 20 July 2020.
Ruto's Githeri Sharing Sparks Mixed Reactions ¶
On Sunday, 19 July 2020, Deputy President William Ruto became an online sensation after a video of him sharing a meal with his Sugoi employees went viral.
The video showed Ruto, wearing gumboots, having a plate of githeri prepared by one of the residents. The Deputy President caused a stir after claiming that the maize was not well cooked, with the cook blaming it on the firewood she had used.
The video attracted both praise and criticism in equal measure. Some hailed Ruto as a humble man who mingles with common men with ease and relates with their problems.
However, others were not convinced, with some accusing Ruto of using the video as a form of cheap PR. Others questioned the living conditions of Ruto's employees, pointing out that they live in poorly constructed mabati structures.
One Twitter user, @Gideonkyalla_, recalled a similar incident in 2017 where Ruto and President Uhuru were seen eating in a kibanda before the general election. However, since 2018, Uhuru has not been seen taking his meal in a kibanda.
Another user, @Sabato_Fred, questioned Ruto's philanthropy, pointing out that he donates millions to churches but cannot even provide decent housing for his own staff.
