The moment, captured on video, quickly went viral on social media, sparking a wave of reactions from Kenyans online.
The event took place amid the president's empowerment initiative in Nyeri, where Ruto was interacting with locals and beneficiaries of the fund. In a light-hearted exchange, the president picked up the baby, who then refused to let go, prompting laughter from the crowd.
Ruto, appearing amused, eventually turned to a nearby babysitter to help resolve the situation. Video footage shows the child gripping the president's attire, leading to playful attempts to hand her back to her mother.
Social media users dubbed Ruto the "baby whisperer" in response to the clip, with many praising his approachable demeanor.
One post highlighted the child's reluctance as a "light moment" during the fund empowerment event, noting how the baby clung to Ruto despite efforts to reunite her with her parent.
Another user described it as the child finding her "NYOTA" (star), tying into the event's theme, and emphasized Ruto's fatherly figure in the interaction.
However, not all reactions were uniformly positive, reflecting broader mixed sentiments about the president's public engagements.
Some online commentators used the incident to draw parallels to ongoing political discussions, with one user questioning the government's priorities amid economic challenges, while others saw it as a genuine display of warmth.
The video amassed thousands of views and shares within hours, with hashtags like #NYOTAInNyeri and #RutoEmpowers trending on X.
This isn't the first time President Ruto has had memorable interactions with children during public events. Similar moments in the past have humanized political figures, but they often invite scrutiny in Kenya's polarized online space.
As of now, the child's family has not publicly commented on the viral clip, but the incident has undoubtedly added a touch of levity to the day's proceedings.
The Nyota Fund event itself focused on empowering local communities through financial support and development initiatives, with Ruto emphasizing youth and economic upliftment in his address.
While the baby-stealing-the-show moment stole headlines, it underscores how everyday interactions can resonate widely in the digital age, eliciting both admiration and debate among the public.
0 Comments