Ruto Slips, Nearly Falls During Tree-Planting Holiday [VIDEO]

President William Ruto on Monday, November 13 became moments away from sparking nationwide conversation after he nearly slipped and fell during a tree-planting exercise in Makueni County.

The Head of State was captured digging a mound of soil back to the ground after a tree seedling was planted in honour of the exercise which is part of his ambitious target of 1.5 billion trees in a year and 15 billion trees in the next 10 years.

However, he paused to seemingly adjust the tree seedling to its upright position and in the process, he accidentally stepped into the hole which was dug and full of mud, slipping and nearly falling flat onto the ground.

His security aides could be seen rushing to his rescue as he recollected himself from the mishap that could have turned him into an instant internet celebrity.

Here is the video:

President Ruto slips, nearly falls during National #TreePlantingDay exercise in Makueni County#ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/wlebfYvubv — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) November 13, 2023

"Wachana na mimi buana (leave me alone)," he could be heard saying as his entourage burst into laughter.

He was seen shaking off the mud from the shovel and continued digging back the soil while adjusting the seedling on the surface, indicating the effects of the ongoing heavy rains across the country, also evident as he was wearing gumboots to the exercise.

Meanwhile, the Head of State called for concerted efforts in environmental protection to mitigate the effects of climate change, appealing to Kenyans to support the government’s tree-planting exercise to increase the country’s tree cover.

He urged Kenyans to cease encroachment on the nation’s wetlands and forests, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding water catchment areas. This, he explained, will ensure the country has better climatic conditions, a better environment, and regular and adequate rains to support agriculture.

“If there is a programme that will make a meaningful impact in the attainment of our food security goals and address the cost of living, it is environmental protection,” he said during the National Tree Growing Day when he led Kenyans in the tree-planting exercise at Kiu Wetland in Makindu.

During the event, 150,000 seedlings were planted as part of a national campaign aimed at utilising the short rains to grow 100 million seedlings across the country.

The President further noted that the government will gazette and protect from encroachment all wetlands in Makueni County and that it would step up efforts geared towards protecting and rehabilitating over 10,000 wetlands in the country.

“We will continue to protect our environment and ensure we leave behind a nation that the future generation will be proud of,” he said.

The President also inspected Kwa Venge Springs, Makindu intake, which faced a significant reduction in water production over the years as a result of climate change, leading to a water deficit in Makindu and its environs.

First Lady Rachel Ruto called on Kenyans to not only grow trees but also nurture them to maturity.

Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, his spouse Pastor Dorcas, Environment Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior, and Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku among other leaders.

President William Ruto speaking in Kiu, Makueni County on November 13, 2023. /PCS