President Ruto with Nyota fund beneficiary George Ochieng /HANDOUT

President William Ruto has awarded a motorcycle to a young entrepreneur during the disbursement of Nyota funds event in Kisumu.

The beneficiary had made a dramatic dash to the podium to present his group’s challenges, prompting security stop him.

However, moments later, Ruto instructed that he be allowed to speak.

Ochieng said he is a beneficiary of Nyota after he successfully applied with the help of his friend, John.

He said applicants were taken through a four-day business training programme before receiving the funds to equip them with entrepreneurial skills.

Ochieng said he received Sh22,000, which he planned to invest strategically.

Of the amount, Sh2,000 was set aside for a group poultry farming project involving 40 youths, while the remaining Sh20,000 would be used to expand his mitumba business.

“We have a group of 40 people and we planned to start poultry farming. I intended to use the remaining Sh20,000 to grow my second-hand clothes business,” Ochieng said.

He said the group lacked transport, a challenge he says was hindering their poultry farming plans.

President Ruto during the disbursement of Nyota fund in Kisumu county /PCS

According to him, they urgently needed a motorbike to facilitate
movement and operations.

“That is why I was running to the podium. I am the group leader
and my members were pressuring me to present our request before the event
ended,” Ochieng said.

He said his group is called Tutam, inspired by what they
described as President Ruto’s performance in office and their belief that he
deserved another term.

“I was seated there with a soda I had carried, but the security
was so tight I hadn’t even tasted it. I just wanted to speak to you,” he told
the president, drawing laughter from the crowd.

In response, Ruto praised the young man’s initiative and
leadership before promising to support the group.

“I will give you a motorbike,” the president said, directing his
deputy controller to immediately facilitate the issuance.

The moment was met with cheers from the crowd.

Youths at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium /PCS