Two residents relish their close encounter with Ruto in kiosk

Mama Josphine Sitienei and Naomi Chepchirchir display a plate used by Deputy President William Ruto when they hosted him and Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago, Women Representative Eusilah and area MP Elisha Busienei for lunch in their grass thatched hotel. (PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/ STANDARD)

Two residents are the talk of Maili Tisa in Uasin Gishu County after their encounter with Deputy President William Ruto at the weekend.

Josephine Sitienei hosted the DP in her grass-thatched kiosk and served him lunch alongside Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Woman Representative Eusilah Ngeny and Turbo MP Elisha Busienei.

On the other hand, Christopher Mibei volunteered to pay for the meal the DP had taken.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Sitienei, whose eldest daughter schooled with Ruto at Kamagut Primary School in 1980, said the DP's visit had transformed her life.

"He is our son and I felt honoured to serve him at my hotel. It was like a dream because rarely do we host such influential people," said Sitienei.

She recalled how Ruto checked in, along with local leaders, after holding a fundraiser at a local church in the neighbouring Jua Kali area.

"In the morning, I told my assistant that it will be prudent we prepare six chicken for the day. I never expected him to stop by, especially after his rise to become the Deputy President.

"He is a humble person. He washed his hands outside and sat at the corner where he ordered for chicken and ugali," she said.

Asked why the DP chose her humble abode from more than 10 other premises, the 52-year-old insisted that her relations have grown since they were neighbours in Sugoi.

She recalled that they once sold eggs and chicken with Ruto at Jua Kali before shifting base to Maili Tisa 30 years ago.

"I never feared him because he has never changed... The table where he sat has been christened 'The throne of the Kings'," she said.

She said her request for DP was the need to refurbish their makeshift structures so as to attract more customers.

"It is my request that the DP assists my family acquire land, because what I own is not enough for my family," she explained.

For Mibei, 46, a father of four, his heart is at peace after spending Sh1,000 to cater for Ruto's lunch bill.

However, Ruto paid Sh10,000 to cater for the bills of all guests who had accompanied him. He also donated Sh150,000 to business people operating food kiosks in the area.

While Ruto and Joshua Sang were at the International Criminal Court due to the 2007/08 skirmishes, Mibei was at the front line in Iraq fighting under US Marines.

His intention to pay Ruto's bill, according to the soldier, was because he knew the two were innocent and had always wanted to meet them to express his concerns and empathy.

He said Sunday's close interaction with the DP changed everything as his heart was at peace.

"His lunch bill was Sh300 but I wanted more blessings. And because of happiness, I paid Sh1000. If given another chance, I will pay for him because he's our chosen one," he explained.

Ruto, while addressing the crowd at Maili Tisa after his meal, called on any volunteer to bail him out. After paying his bill, Ruto jokingly told Mibei that he has every right to boast of having paid lunch for the DP.