Chapati Politics: President Ruto Nairobi tour sparks sparring s amid bold promise

President William Ruto’s recent tour of Nairobi County has ignited a spectrum of reactions, from enthusiastic support to sharp criticism.
Central to the discourse is his pledge to procure a chapati-making machine capable of producing one million chapatis daily, intended to bolster the ‘Dishi na County’ school feeding program.
While some hail this initiative as a step towards enhancing student nutrition, others view it as a misaligned priority amidst more pressing urban challenges.
During his visit to St. Teresa Girls Secondary School in Mathare, President Ruto, accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, addressed the students’ request to include chapatis in their meals. Governor Sakaja highlighted the program’s reach, stating, “Over 300,000 children benefit from the program, meaning we need a machine that can produce a million chapatis daily. I have asked the President for it.”
In response, President Ruto affirmed, “I have agreed to buy a chapati-making machine. Governor, your job now is to find where to buy it.”
The announcement elicited varied reactions among Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large. Supporters argue that introducing chapatis—a favored staple—into school meals could enhance student satisfaction and attendance. Conversely, critics question the feasibility and necessity of such a machine, suggesting that resources might be better allocated to more pressing infrastructural and social issues.
The debate has even led to President Ruto acquiring the nickname ‘El Chapo’ on social media, a playful nod to his chapati promise.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Governor Sakaja’s request for the chapati-making machine. Owino contends that the governor’s focus is misplaced, given the myriad challenges Nairobi faces.
“Of all the things that are disturbing Nairobians, Sakaja asked for a chapati printing machine from the President to print 1 million chapos in a day. He couldn’t see that there is no proper drainage and there are poor roads,”slammed the Nairobi county boss.
Owino further highlighted issues such as an “unhealthy” health sector, insufficient water supply, and unemployment, questioning, “How will Mama Chapati survive if her job is given to a machine?”
This isn’t the first time Owino has criticized Sakaja’s leadership. In February 2025, he labeled Sakaja an “embarrassment to young people,” citing poor performance rankings and alleging inefficiency in service delivery. Owino stated, “Sakaja being a young person is an embarrassment to the young people because of what has been done. Several research firms have ranked Sakaja in the bottom ten. I must push him to ensure he delivers to Nairobians.”
The practicality of producing one million chapatis daily has also come under scrutiny. Experts suggest that achieving such a target would require approximately 2,333 chapati-making machines, each capable of producing 3,000 chapatis daily. Edwin Mwendo, a Jua Kali artisan, has developed a machine that could contribute to this goal. His invention includes components such as a dough mixer, chapati presser, and cooker, collectively streamlining the production process.
Beyond the chapati initiative, President Ruto’s five-day Nairobi tour culminated in a series of promises and project launches. He addressed land disputes, directing that no evictions occur without alternative housing provisions, and announced a KSh40 million allocation for 20 new classrooms in Embakasi. The President also assured timely payments for Community Health Promoters (CHPs), infrastructure upgrades for schools, and continued efforts towards affordable housing and employment opportunities.
However, the tour was not without controversy. Disruptions in schools, reports of theft, and a tragic incident involving the presidential motorcade, which resulted in the death of a 75-year-old British national, marred the proceeding.
These events have intensified discussions about the administration’s priorities and the tangible impacts of such tours on Nairobi’s residents.