This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto made a surprise visit to a poultry market in Uasin Gishu, Kenya, where he bought KSh 1.1M worth of chickens and urged supporters to refrain from politics.
On December 19, 2019, Ruto visited the market, where he was seen buying chickens alongside President Uhuru Kenyatta.
According to eyewitnesses, Ruto took the stage and told the crowd that there was no politics involved in the chicken sale, and that he had bought the chickens along with President Kenyatta.
"He came and said there was no politics, no politician spoke politics. They bought chickens and went," an eyewitness said.
Before visiting the market, Ruto had attended a Cabinet meeting with President Kenyatta.
At the market, Ruto was seen mingling with supporters, including MPs Ndindi Nyoro and Kimani Ichung'wa, but he did not allow them to make speeches.
"We support small business owners by ensuring they pay taxes fairly," Ruto said.
During the visit, Ruto bought KSh 1.1M worth of chickens, making it one of the biggest sales at the market.
