William Ruto Hosts Hundreds In His Sugoi Home, Hands Out Christmas Goodies: "Tumesema Asante"

• Hundreds of Kenyans from Uasin Gishu, Nandi and Kakamega counties flocked to President William Ruto's Sugoi home for early Christmas goodies
• Unlike previous years when Ruto held such events, this year's event witnessed a huge rise in the number of residents, with long lines being witnessed as early as 4am
• The head of state said his government would continue to reform the agricultural sector to increase food production

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Uasin Gishu - President William Ruto is back to his rural Sugoi home for this year's Christmas celebrations.

As early as 4am, Kenyans drawn from Uasin Gishu and the neighbouring Kakamega and Nandi counties jammed roads as goodies were offloaded from several lorries.

The president actively participated in the exercise as he handed the residents packets of wheat flour, cooking oil and rice in a yellow bag.

Ruto was accompanied by Mama Rachel Ruto, who kick-started the event with a powerful prayer.

Other leaders present at the event included Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii, among others.

Some of the residents explained that the head of state has been consistent in the exercise, but this year has attracted a huge following.

What are Ruto's plans to increase food production?

In his address, the head of state said his government would continue to reform the agricultural sector to increase food production.

Ruto claimed his latest reforms had resulted in a 40% increase in food production this year compared to 2022.

The president thanked farmers for taking advantage of the subsidised fertiliser, adding that the fruits of the programme would benefit the country's food security.

"I want to thank farmers for taking advantage of reforms, including the reduction of fertiliser prices from KSh 7,000 to KSh 2,500. We will continue to reform the sector to further improve production," he said.