Margaret Njambi, known as “Shosho wa Ruto,” has recently been at the center of attention due to a generous gift she received from President William Ruto. Njambi’s story draws a parallel to a biblical account of a woman healed by touching Jesus’ garment, reflecting her own journey through hardship and eventual aid from the President.
Margaret Njambi, 67, has faced significant financial struggles over the years. She gained attention during a public rally on January 12, 2021, organized by her Member of Parliament, Ndindi Nyoro, at Gikandu Primary School. Njambi, despite having only reached the seventh grade, spoke passionately about her support for Deputy President William Ruto and his opposition to the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), which was a key issue at the time.
Her speech, which lasted twelve minutes, was well received by the crowd and led to the widespread sharing of a video clip of her address on social media. Njambi’s subsequent meeting with Ruto on February 24, 2021, at the Deputy President’s official residence in Karen, Nairobi, was a significant event. During this visit, Ruto promised support for her agricultural activities and personal needs.
According to Ruto’s social media post, he met Njambi, a former stone quarry worker and small-scale farmer, after seeing her video online. He expressed his intention to assist her in her farming endeavors.
Njambi, who has lived in Murang’a for many years, is described by locals as a hardworking and talented woman. She has a history of overcoming poverty, including selling illicit alcohol and serving time in prison, which she attributes to her efforts to support her children. She believes that imprisonment only exacerbated her poverty and disrupted her children’s education.
After her husband’s death in 2018, Njambi abandoned her business and returned to manage the family’s 2.5-acre farm. Her fame increased after her video went viral, leading to a visit from Ruto. During her visit to Karen, Njambi was overwhelmed by the President’s generosity.
Ruto’s support included building a house worth KSh 600,000, providing two dairy cows (one pregnant), giving her dentures, and offering KSh 300,000 for living expenses. The total value of the aid amounted to KSh 1.5 million.
Njambi highlighted that the most money she had previously received at one time was KSh 200. She recalled how Ruto’s new notes totaling KSh 300,000 were so large that she needed her MP to help carry them.
In an August 5, 2024, visit to her home, Njambi was found working on her farm. Her three-bedroom house, funded by Ruto, was still in good condition and painted in the colors of Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
While Njambi expressed gratitude for the aid, she voiced concerns about Ruto’s leadership, suggesting that his actions toward his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, might influence her political affiliation in the 2027 elections. She also mentioned her plans to enroll in a driving course, start gym sessions, and learn to swim.
The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has yet to issue a conduct certificate for Njambi, citing complications related to her prison history.
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