President William Ruto braved heavy rain on Thursday as he addressed residents in Eldoret, with members of the crowd also remaining in the open to listen to him.
Ruto stood on top of a vehicle as he spoke to the crowd, continuing with his address despite the downpour.
Only a few people in the crowd were seen carrying umbrellas, while others stood in the rain as the President delivered his message.
The President later moved to an affordable housing project where he continued engaging workers and residents as the rain persisted.
At the construction site, Ruto wore a safety helmet but did not use an umbrella as he inspected the project and spoke to those gathered.
The unusual scene quickly attracted attention, with videos and pictures of the President and the crowd braving the rain circulating on social media.
Away from the weather, Ruto used the Eldoret visit to defend his administration’s development agenda and call on residents to remain united.
Speaking in the local language, the President cautioned residents against tribal politics, saying his upbringing had taught him the importance of bringing Kenyans together.
Ruto also urged Eldoret residents to register as voters ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He said Kenyans should focus on development and policies instead of political divisions.
The President also highlighted several projects being implemented in Eldoret and other parts of Uasin Gishu County.
Among them was the Champions Retail Market, one of the modern markets being constructed in the county.
Ruto said the government was constructing 600 modern markets across the country to provide traders with better and more dignified working spaces.
“We have not stopped there. Over the past four years, we have worked hard to fulfil each and every commitment we made to the people of Kenya, as set out in our manifesto, The Plan,” Ruto said.
The President said his administration was focused on accelerating development and expanding opportunities for Kenyans.
He also defended projects such as affordable housing, which have remained a major part of his administration’s development agenda.
Ruto’s Eldoret visit comes as he continues to popularise his government’s record ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The President’s decision to continue addressing the crowd despite the heavy rain, however, became one of the most talked-about moments of his visit.
For residents who had gathered to hear him, the downpour did little to interrupt the engagement as both Ruto and the crowd remained outside until the address ended.
