Many Kenyans were perplexed as to why President William Ruto singled out Calvin Ochieng twice during his Madaraka Day address at Moi Stadium in Embu.
Dr Ruto gave the audience an example of Calvin Ochieng, a less well-known boda boda rider operating out of Kilimani, Nairobi, as he explained to the gathering why small business owners would be strengthened under his guidance.
Ruto assured Ochieng and other passengers that the government’s intention to implement an electric car public transport system would directly benefit them.
“Through the implementation of more effective, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly vehicles, our boda boda business is going to undergo an inclusive transition. These changes will make owning and running a boda boda inexpensive, safe, and lucrative.
To take his hustling to the next level, Ruto said, “I am keen that this information reaches the Kilimani-based seconder of my presidential candidature, Calvin Ochieng.”
Ruto and Ochieng became friends after Ochieng supported Ruto during the past year’s presidential candidate presentation process before Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission Chairman Wafula Chebukati.
This occurred in June 2022 when Ruto was with Ochieng and an old woman named Mama Pauline Waithera who owns a fruit market in Kiambu Town.
The two were seen in a picture together at Bomas of Kenya as Ruto went through the vetting process for his attempt at the 2022 General Election.
Dr Ruto also utilised the pair to show his fans that he cared more about them than he did about the affluent.
