Smokie Kachumbari: Radio Presenter Comes To Defence Of Charlene Ruto

Homeboyz Radio presenter, Lotan Salapei, defended the smokie kachumbari business run by President William Ruto's daughter, Charlene Ruto at Daystar University.

During the live radio show on Friday, December 9, Lotan revealed that she was not known to the students in the university and was conducting the side hustle by selling the popular snack consisting of smokie and chapati (smocha) for Ksh25.

It was before President Ruto visited the campus during its graduation ceremony and revealed Charlene as his daughter.

Lotan Salapei at Homeboyz Radio studios. /FILE

"95 per cent of Daystar University students did not know her (Charlene) before her dad announced her in public school. Ruto attended a graduation ceremony and informed the institution that Charlene was his daughter," Lotan stated on Friday, December 9.

"What she said was authentic and true. If allowed, I would share her photo online," he disclosed.

Lotan and Charlene's other fellow schoolmate, Redempta Oburu, confirmed that they used to frequent her joint and she let the cat out of the bag during Daystar's alumni event on Saturday, December 10.

She however stated that she did not have any photos of her business to share with those in attendance at the event.

"It is true I used to run a smokie kachumbari business. Thank you, Lotan and Redempta Oburu, for defending my business and so many others.

"But I don't have photos of the business to share online with you," she said.

With regards to her previous sentiments as captured in a video that went viral during the week, she clarified that she shared her story with the students regarding her hustle to motivate them to save and invest.

"I was talking to some university students, and we were talking about savings and investments so I thought to encourage them by telling them my story," she added.

Another Daystar alumnus confirmed to Viral Tea that Charlene used to sell smokie kachumbari while at the university but was not much of a frequent customer as she was and was not in the same year she was, having joined when she was almost completing her studies.

"No… but when I entered she was in her final semester," the alumnus stated.

Charlene Ruto has used a variety of situations to increase her presence online as well as her profile as the First Daughter. She has been engaged in high-profile public events despite her father not appointing her to a government role.

While previously promising a variety of delicious snacks at the alumni event, Charlene quipped that she would test her mettle in making smochas, a snack consisting of smokie sausage and chapati which is one of the most popular bitings amongst modern Kenyans.

Smocha, which is popular amongst university students now, retails for Ksh50, according to numerous spot checks by Viral Tea. One can choose additions of avocado and sauces such as tomato, chilli sauce, BBQ, mustard, and mayonnaise among others.