This archive report was first published on 26 October 2021.
On October 25, 2021, Deputy President William Ruto visited Makindu in Makueni county, where he made a controversial promise to Mtito Andei commercial sex workers.
Addressing a rally, DP Ruto pledged to give the sex workers Sh1 million, instructing them to organize themselves into a Sacco to receive the funds.
The pledge was made in response to a woman's appeal to expedite the release of the 'Hustlers Empowerment Fund' so that the sex workers could venture into respectable businesses.
However, the promise has been met with sharp criticism from social media users, who have questioned the morality and feasibility of the pledge.
Silvester Nyaberi argued that Ruto's actions are driven by desperation to become president, saying, "Where in the church or Bible does it say prostitution is actually allowed? Ruto is so desperate that he can do anything to be the president. Let's look at his past promises. How many of them did he actually achieve? Almost none. Now he is promising everything just to get votes. Don't cry later,"
Others, like Jessie Jackson, have questioned the practicality of the pledge, saying, "They must be over 500 of them so each one will get Sh2,000 which won't help them. This is what is called a handout. "You can help them by getting them to work in a company. A sacco won't help them because they'll still need to "work" to grow the Sacco. They'll need a source of income meaning they'll still go back to prostitution."
Some users, like Nick Danson, have defended the DP's pledge, saying, "But some people treat them as if they are animals. If Ruto plan can make them change to other businesses, even God in heaven will be happy."
Others have criticized the DP's support, saying it sends the wrong message about prostitution and women's empowerment.
