Nairobi man claims he was duped at State House, leaves empty-handed despite photo with motorcycle

A Nairobi man has gone viral after comically narrating how his much-anticipated visit to State House for a youth empowerment forum allegedly ended in disappointment.

President William Ruto had invited young people to the event, promising to empower them with tools such as motorcycles, barber kits, salon equipment, and washing machines to boost small businesses.

For the man, who spoke to an amused crowd after the forum, entry into the State House was surprisingly simple; all that was required was a national ID. He recalled being warmly received, with food and soda served before the official programme began.

“State House nayo tulienda na mode of identification was our ID card. Tulifika tukakula vizuri na kuingia tukakaribishwa na soda. Tukaingia ndani,” he narrated, drawing laughter from listeners.

However, his joy quickly turned into bewilderment. He claims he was photographed holding a brand-new motorcycle and its keys, apparently as part of a handover ceremony. He was then told to wait at the gate for his gift.

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According to him, that’s where things took a turn. “Mimi mwenyewe nilipigwa picha na pikipiki na kifunguu, nikaambiwa enda kwa gate unaletewa. Kutoka kwa gate ivi, GSU wakaniambia enda nyumbani,” he said, sparking roars of laughter.

The man insisted he didn’t blame the president or organisers, but faulted himself for “taking himself” to the State House without fully knowing what to expect.

He said part of his motivation came from people mocking him for looking malnourished, which made him believe meeting the President could change his fortunes overnight.

Instead, he claims, his life has remained the same, except for his phone constantly buzzing with calls from friends and relatives asking why he hadn’t invited them or requesting a cash handout.

“Waliniambia sura yangu inakaa njaa na nikadhani kuona Rais maisha yangu itakuwa sawa. Usione mtu amekutana na Rais ufikirie maisha yake imebadilika. Simu zenye napigiwa sa izi, ‘mbona hukuniita, nisaidie ata Sh.1000,’” he said.

The State House forum was part of a series of youth empowerment initiatives in Nairobi, during which President Ruto presented various tools of trade to selected attendees. It remains unclear whether the man’s account was a misunderstanding or a genuine mix-up.