This archive report was first published on 27 October 2021.
Deputy President William Ruto's promise to donate Ksh 1 million to sex workers in Mito Andei has sparked a mixed reaction, with some praising the move and others criticizing it as a publicity stunt.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, however, has come out in support of the plan, saying he was once a customer of sex workers himself.
Speaking on social media, Sonko encouraged sex workers in Nairobi to come up with a plan to receive the donation, saying he might also donate money to the cause.
‘I don’t mind doing something for our commercial sex workers wa Kanairo. Let me also confess that those years za ukora na utoto before I married my wife Primerose, I was their biggest customer,’ Sonko wrote.
The promise was made by Ruto during a rally in Makueni County, where he urged sex workers to form a Sacco to receive the donation.
According to Ruto, the money will be used to set up legitimate businesses for the sex workers, who have been appealing for the DP to release the ‘Hustlers Empowerment Fund’.
‘The Bottom-Up Economic Development Model is keen on promoting inclusive and sustainable growth through a robust framework that will foster enterprises in our country. This will enable millions of ordinary people earn a decent living,’ Ruto said.
