Once a strong supporter of Ruto, Waithera now feels deeply betrayed by the man she helped elect during the 2022 presidential election.
During the campaign, President Ruto made big promises to ordinary Kenyans, including traders like Waithera. His campaign was built on the bottom-up economic model, which he claimed would uplift the lives of ordinary people by improving small businesses.
He emphasized that his government would stand with the mama mbogas, boda boda riders, and other small-scale traders. Ruto presented himself as a leader who understood the struggles of these hardworking citizens.
However, two years into his presidency, Waithera and many other traders feel that those promises have not been fulfilled. Instead of seeing positive changes, Waithera claims that life has only gotten harder for small business owners. The economic struggles continue, and many traders are still waiting for the support they were promised.
Speaking during a public forum on October 5, 2024, Waithera expressed her frustration. The forum was held to discuss the ongoing impeachment process against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. In her remarks, Waithera did not hold back her disappointment with the current administration, calling out President Ruto for failing to deliver on his promises.
“I am just disgusted that the president, when he was looking for votes from us, promised us as mama mbogas and boda boda riders that he would look into our affairs. Since then, we have been left to be exploited, yet he promised to help uplift us through the bottom-up model. It seems he meant turning us upside down to take our money,” Waithera said bitterly.
According to Waithera, the president has forgotten the very people who helped him get into power. She pointed out that the policies introduced by the administration have done more harm than good, leaving small traders to struggle for survival.
The promised economic relief and support for small businesses have not come, and instead, many traders feel abandoned.
Waithera also shared her thoughts on the impeachment process facing Deputy President Gachagua.
She believes that Gachagua should not be the only one blamed for the administration’s failures. In her view, President Ruto and his entire government are responsible for the struggles that Kenyans are facing today.
She argued that if Gachagua is to be removed from office, Ruto should also be held accountable.
"We gave him our votes because of Gachagua...If Rigathi must leave, they must all go home," Waithera passionately added.
Her statement reflects the growing anger among small traders and citizens who feel that the government has failed to address their needs.
While the bottom-up economic model was designed to uplift the common person, the reality for many small-scale traders is that their lives have not improved.
The promises that seemed so hopeful during the campaign have now left many feeling disappointed and betrayed.
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