This archive report was first published on 28 October 2019.
October 28, 2019, marked a day of intense debate on social media after photos of Deputy President William Ruto's heavily armed bodyguards at a Kibra rally went viral.
The two men, seen with sophisticated guns strapped to their chests, were part of Ruto's security detail at the Jubilee aspirant rally for McDonald Mariga.
Suna East Member of Parliament Junet Mohammed sparked the debate by questioning the need for such heavy protection, given that Ruto's team was confident of winning the Kibra by-election.
Junet wrote on social media, 'This is how Ruto was guarded and came to ask for votes today in Kibra and then you lie to people that ground is 'sawa' (okay). Kibra is ODM and ODM is Kibra.'
Netizens responded with comments, including Fred Asira, who said, 'William Ruto, the chief hustler and a very good friend to the poor, and who has unmatched support in Kibra came to campaign in his stronghold with tight security, against the people he claims to love.'
Others, like Mark Dianya, joked that Ruto had mobilized even the Recee Squad, making it seem like he was campaigning in Kismayu.
Makori Abuga, however, was more serious, stating that Mariga's chances in Kibra were slim due to ODM's internal challenges and disorganization.
