How singer warmed DP Ruto's heart to earn a car

Musician David Sakari talks to DP William Ruto in Bungoma. (Photo: Benjamin Sakwa/Standard)

A popular musician from Western has a reason to smile after Deputy President William Ruto bought him a car. Last weekend, David Sakari of Webuye Jua Kali music band received a Toyota Vitz from the DP.

It was not a gift from the blues, as he had petitioned the DP three times, twice orally and once through a letter. "I first met the DP on August 28, 2015 at a harambee in Bumula and noticed he was looking at me after we sang for him. I walked up to the dais and funny enough, no one in the security detail stopped me," said Sakari, a father of two.

He added: "I got the opportunity of my life when he greeted me and even hugged me. I knew what would follow was a monetary reward but I came to my senses that I should ask for a greater favour. Then, I suggested that he buys me a vehicle to help move from place to place during shows."

The 35-year-old said he was moved by the DP's promise to buy him a car. "Usijali nitakununulia," (Don't worry, I will buy you the car).

This was the first encounter. Two months later, nothing was forthcoming, apart from hope that the promise would be fulfilled.

Luckily, Sakari's band received a call to go and perform at yet another event that the DP would grace on November 5, 2015 in Kitale.

He was keen to remind the DP about the promise. "I again walked to the dais but unluckily for me that day, security men shoved me aside. Sirisia MP John Waluke came to my rescue and pleaded that I be allowed to greet Ruto," said Sakari.

"Do you remember your promise to buy me a vehicle?" He asked the DP.

The DP in turn nodded in the affirmative with a grin and replied: "It won't be long. You will get your car my friend." The band was hired again to perform for the DP at Matulo in Webuye West on November 18, 2015. After performing, he started strategising on how he could meet the DP and remind him of the car promise yet again. "I shot straight and reminded him of the promise, this time round handing him a letter I had written about the promise. He laughed and asked MP Webuye West Dan Wanyama to remind him of the same when they reached Nairobi," said Sakari.

Towards the end of January, Sakari received a call. "The caller identified himself as an official from the DP's office. He said my present was on the way to my hometown," he said.

And true to the pledge, his gift arrived, a second-hand Vitz.