Video: Women Captured Being Mobilised to Attend, Cheer William Ruto during Nairobi Event
- A group of women was captured on video boarding a bus allegedly hired to transport supporters to a presidential event in Nairobi
- Some women were reportedly paid, others promised meals, while many appeared to follow orders from political mobilisers known for assembling cheering crowds
- The staged applause raised questions about the authenticity of public support as President William Ruto toured a police housing project in Dagoretti North
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
A recent video has stirred debate after showing women being mobilised to attend President William Ruto’s event in Dagoretti North, Nairobi.
Source: Facebook
The president had visited the area to inspect the ongoing construction of a 540-unit affordable housing project located at the Kilimani Police Station compound.
The project is part of his administration’s broader housing agenda, which has received both praise and criticism in recent months.
On the day of the event, a group of women was recorded boarding a hired bus to the venue, allegedly to act as enthusiastic supporters.
The video, reviewed by TUKO.co.ke, appeared to show deliberate mobilisation efforts.
In the background, some concerned voices were heard urging the women not to attend, pointing out the ongoing crisis of police brutality that had left many families grieving the loss of their sons.
By the time Ruto arrived, the event ground was packed, and the loudest voices cheering him on were predominantly those of women.
Were the women paid to attend Ruto's event?
Reports suggest that some of the attendees were given allowances, while others were enticed with the promise of free meals.
A number of the women seemed to have responded to calls from political mobilisers who are known to assemble crowds for political events.
This informal industry of paid cheering has become common during high-profile visits, often to project a sense of popularity and acceptance.
The video has sparked conversations online, with many Kenyans questioning the legitimacy of such orchestrated support.
Source: Facebook
How Kenyans reacted to the video
Below are some of the comments:
@thee_alfa_house:
"This is so embarrassing. That it takes advantage of women vulnerable due to the same harsh economic conditions created by failed policies even make it more heartbreaking."
@abd_ul_razaqk:
"I don't blame the mums for attending, they have to provide 4 their kids something to eat from this failed economy."
@JeiKiarie:
"He now has to pay attendance fees when he used to attract huge organic crowds a short while ago. He did this to himself all by himself."
@pamphil_j:
"They can only rule and manage the poor citizens, but not genuine economically empowered citizens."
Did Migori youths turn against MP after Ruto rally?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that Ruto took his Hustler campaign to Migori county ahead of the August 2022 polls, where he received a warm reception from a group of enthusiastic youths.
The crowd, reportedly mobilised by then Kuria East MP Marwa Kitiyama, cheered Ruto throughout his visit, helping amplify his message in the region.
However, tension erupted soon after the rally when hundreds of those youths stormed Kitiyama’s home, demanding payment for their role in cheering during the tour.
The situation turned chaotic as they blocked access to his compound and refused to listen to his pleas, insisting they had been promised money.
Did Ruto hire crowds in his Mt Kenya tour?
In March, President Ruto visited Mt Kenya region for a five-day development tour, accompanied by his close allies from the region, led by his deputy, Kithure Kindiki and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa'h.
He was recieved by large crowds in some counties, which critics claimed were largely made up of hired individuals whose sole purpose was to create an impression that the president was still popular in the region, despite breaking ranks with his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.
Nyandarua senator John Methu alleged that those who attended the president's rallies were paid between KSh 500 to KSh 2000.
Similar allegations were made by Gachagua and Kiambu Senator Karangu Thangwa. However, they did not substantiate the claims.
Masolo Mabonga, HOD Current Affairs and Politics, updated this article with details on whether President William Ruto hired crowds to cheer him during his five-day tour of Mt Kenya.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
