I’m a hustler, not Ruto’s bodyguard: Man who sold DP 'mahindi choma'

 Joseph Mutua with the DP [Courtesy]

Joseph Mutua alias Deejay Young hit the headlines after it emerged that he was DP Ruto’s security aide who was pretending to be a maize vendor in Kwa maiko market, Githunguri in Kiambu County.

It all started after Kenyans on social media found it strange that the maize vendor was spruced up and a walkie talkie aerial was protruding from his pocket.

That was on Friday June 22 and during Ruto’s visit in Githunguri.

A tall Mutua was roasting maize and minding his own business when he saw a convoy of vehicles protected by security guards coming towards where he was standing.

At first he put his hand in his midriff wondering what was going on because many people were rallying behind the cars.

 But Mutua would hear a voice. “Kijana hii mahindi choma unauzaje! (Young man, how much does the maize go for?)”

He was shocked when he saw the Deputy President coming out of his car and knowing he is reputed to have a strong appetite of roasted maize, he was purred with satisfaction that it was his d-day.

Mutua says that there was a suggestion of showmanship in his movements and an easy physicality that drew the eye.

Almost two weeks later, The Nairobian has traced Mutua to his humble home in Kwa Maiko market.

Mutua a father of one, who now appears like a celebrity and an undercover cop in the busy market, revealed that deputy president bought mahindi choma for Sh2, 000.

He says that it was the first time he saw the deputy president. He says he was surprised when people speculated and created a storm on social media that he was one of the security detail after a gadget that resembles a walkie talkie was seen projecting from his pocket.

“I was mesmerized when hustler came to my business premise and the first thing he asked me was if I had ‘ile kitu ya kupaka mahindi’ and I replied yes sir. He then asked how much I was charging for the mahindi choma and I told him to eat first, we will talk later.

He left and later sent his bodyguard to bring me the little gift and when I opened it I found sh.2, 000”, Mutua says, adding that Ruto’s visit has boosted his mahindi choma business because customers are thronging into his workplace calling him the anointed one.

“I don’t know how people came up with those kinds of stories that I was one of his security aide. Maybe it’s because of my height and mode of dressing. I love being smart because I sell food.

"What was in my pocket was a nail not a walkie talkie. I had heard rumours that Ruto was going to pass by the previous day so I had to look smart. The only thing he told me was to work hard, pray and never lose hope because he was also a hawker before joining politics” said Mutua.

The 35 year old who used to translate movies in Kayole and Limuru wishes that the DP could only help him set up a movie house.  

“I was born in Makuyu in Murang’a County and I came to the city to hustle. I started translating movies in Kayole in 2008 before moving to Limuru.

"Later enrolled at Nyaga polytechnic near Kwa maiko market to study mechanics. When I failed to secure a job in a garage,I decided to start roasting maize on the roadside instead of going back to the village. If only Ruto can assist me to start a movie house then my life will improve.

"Right now I’m raising a young family and it’s hard. Most of the time I’m in the market from 3 pm till 10 pm roasting maize and I get a profit of sh.400”, Mutua told The Nairobian.

He explains that the name bodyguard came from the people because of his resemblance to the security officers and the shirt he was wearing on that fateful day was one of his favourite and had decided to wear it when he heard that the deputy president was coming though it sparked a storm of controversy on social media.

“I have been branded a bodyguard and a celebrity in the village. People even fear me now, they think I’m well connected but I’m telling them how and you have known me from way back. My customers have tripled since I met the deputy president. People here claim I’m Ruto’s security detail”, said Mutua a form two drop out.