Barack Obama’s Brother Malik Endorses Resilient William Ruto for Kenyan Presidency

NAIROBI – Malik Obama, an elder brother to former United States (US) president Barack Obama has vowed to stand with William Samoei Ruto in the upcoming 2022 Kenyan election.

In an early morning tweet on Friday, June 12, Malik described Kenya’s current Deputy President as a tough, resilient and brilliant politician who had stood the test of time.

“William Ruto is tough, resilient, brilliant, and most of all kind at heart. He has stood with many who have betrayed him. I stand with the Hustler nation,” Malik Obama tweeted.

“Willima Ruto is Generous. He Understands His Origins. God Gave Him And He Is Giving Back. With Humility And Grace,” he added.

In the past, Malik Obama publicly expressed his criticism of ODM leader Raila Odinga, after the latter failed to support his bid for the Siaya Gubernatorial seat in 2013. With the latest tweet coming in support DP William Ruto, many are excited however, some of Ruto’s opponents argue Malik could be seeking attention and relevance.

I must add that, Ruto is a down to earth God fearing man.
What I like most about him, is his manner of speech. He connects easily with his eloquence & sense of humour. One can't help but like him. A gentleman.

— Ken (@ochegoken) June 12, 2020

“This is the brother to the First Black President of the US. You are wise, broRaised fist.” tweeted Abdulahi M Somo @SomoAbdulahi.

Josephine Kuluo @KuluoJosephine tweeted: “Together :bound by the Love for humanity. Having God as our supreme guide. N fidelity to the Constitution and rule of Law. Being fair, just N compassionate to wanjiku. Having lived a true hustlers life. You cannot get another that meets that criteria.”

However, Talai Warrior @TalaiWarrior tweeted saying, “Don’t be wowed brother, the bugger can’t even win a funeral committee chair in his kogelo village!”

Mbura Jedi @JediMbura argued that, “The man in Siaya looking for relevance and attention. His smelled handouts,”

Some of the responses didnt seem to go down well with Obama’s elder brother and he responded saying he was expressing himself independently.

I don't know @WilliamsRuto and have never met him other than briefly when Barack Obama was in Kenya 2015 seated front row, so people don't make up nonsense because of my thoughts about him. He has no knowledge of what I think of him. I'm expressing myself independently. AS USUAL

— Malik Obama (@ObamaMalik) June 13, 2020

Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, which halted DP Ruto’s country tours, his “hustler” tag had gained momentum.

Even when President Uhuru Kenyatta cautioned against politicking at the expense of the development agenda, the DP said he was not in a campaign mode but was performing his duties as Uhuru’s principal assistant.

“People should stop panicking about my traversing the country saying it is 2022 campaigns, I’m yet to start my campaigns because when I start they will be in for a rude shock,” he said.