We are sorry: Homa Bay residents apologize to President Ruto for callling him DP

President William Ruto during his tour of Africa Inland Church of Kenya in Homa Bay town on October 2. [PHOTO: JAMES OMORO]

Homa Bay residents have asked President William Ruto to forgive them for referring to him as the Deputy President. Even though Dr Ruto was sworn in last month, he is still famous among many citizens as DP (Deputy President) Ruto.

His new title as president doesn't seem to have sunk in even among government officials. But it seems to be just a slip of the tongue among many citizens, Homa Bay residents included.

During his recent visit to Homa Bay County, it was clear that Kenyans have not been accustomed to calling the former DP President William Ruto. In their normal conversations, residents refered to the president as DP Ruto.

Moses Bala, UDA party supporter in Homa Bay town, attributed the "error" to the fact that many people did not believe Ruto would become Kenya's fifth president.

"Ruto is a common word on my lips. Being my role model makes me talk about Ruto every day. But whenever I speak, I find myself referring to him as DP Ruto. It is only after a few minutes that I remembers I ought to have called him President Ruto," Bala said.

Erick Mochorwa, a Homa Bay resident, said the title DP Ruto will hardly be forgotten by many Kenyans because of his charisma.

Second in command

He said Ruto was the only second in command of the Republic of Kenya to have campaigned and succeeded an outgoing president.

"The manner in which Ruto campaigned was memorable. Nobody believed that a child of a poor man could become president. That is why we still discuss him a lot and I am also a victim of the slip of the tongue," Mochorwa said.

It seems it will take time for Kenyans to stop referring to Ruto as DP Ruto.

"Let President Ruto forgive us for calling him DP because it is not our wish. He is still new in the office and I believe we will get used to his new title with time," said Dalmas Ochaka.

During his visit to Homa Bay last Sunday, Ruto was accompanied by Managing Director of Lake Basin Development Authority Raymond Omollo, Ugenya MP David Ocheing, among other leaders. Ruto promised Homa Bay residents many goodies.

Goody bags

He said his government would construct 5,000 low cost houses in the county. He said more than 400 of the houses would be built in the first phase of the project which starts next month. The president said he would return to Homa Bay to launch the project in November.

He also promised to complete over 200 kilometres of roads in the county. The roads include Mbita-Sindo-Magunga-Sori Road, Adiedo-Juction Karabok, and Kanyadhiang'- Pala- Kadel Road. He also promised to complete Homa Bay Water and Sewerage project.

"I am also going to make Homa Bay look like a city. My government will work with all elected leaders and residents of Homa Bay to transform the lives of the common man," Ruto said.