Octopizzo sends message to Ruto after wheat farm video goes viral
Kenyan rapper Henry Ohanga, alias Octopizzo, has called on President William Ruto to extend support to small-scale farmers, particularly in Siaya, following a viral video of the Head of State ploughing his expansive wheat farm using high-tech tractors and luxury vehicles.
Taking to his X account on Sunday, March 30, 2025, Octopizzo acknowledged his admiration for the background song in the video but quickly shifted focus to the challenges faced by farmers like himself in Siaya County.
He urged the president to prioritise mechanisation in agriculture, highlighting the need for tractors and other essential farming equipment like the one the president was using to be extended to local farmers to boost productivity and improve livelihoods.
“In the agricultural sector, we also need support with mechanisation, tractors, and other essential equipment to empower our efforts on the ground. Mimi kama farmer wa Siaya (as a farmer from Siaya),” he stated.
The rapper, known for his deep connection to his roots despite his global music success, also directly appealed to Siaya Governor James Orengo, asking him to champion agricultural transformation in the region.
He noted that Siaya farmers could greatly benefit from government initiatives that provide access to modern farming tools and asked the governor to take action as soon as possible.
Further, Octopizzo urged President Ruto to build a legacy that resonates beyond his legal and political achievements, saying, “Please take action and build a legacy that drives lasting change for our people. We don’t want only to remember you as a great lawyer.”
In his appeal, he emphasised that even a small intervention—such as supplying two or three tractors—could significantly impact local farmers. He added that Siaya boasts skilled individuals who are ready to work but are held back by a lack of resources.
“Even just two or three tractors would make a significant difference. We have skilled individuals ready to work, but we lack the necessary tools to truly thrive,” he wrote.
Ruto the Farmer
The singer was referencing a viral clip where President William Ruto was seen arriving at his vast wheat farm, driving a black double-cabin Land Cruiser pickup alongside First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto.
Upon arrival, the President took the wheel himself, manoeuvring the vehicle across the expansive farmland before stepping out to inspect the land.
The video captured a rare yet familiar sight of the Head of State fully immersed in his agricultural element, walking through the fields and overseeing operations.
As he toured the farm, he watched as sophisticated tractors tilled the land before personally hopping onto one of the machines to plough a section of the field.
Throughout the clip, President Ruto passionately spoke about his deep-rooted love for farming, reiterating that agriculture was his first calling before politics.
He urged Kenyan farmers to embrace modern agricultural practices, positioning himself as a model for mechanised farming.
In another segment of the clip, he is seen dressed in a raincoat while inspecting another section of the farm where small plants were beginning to germinate.
The video was set to the soundtrack of the legendary Maroon Commandos’ song Uvivu Mbaya, leaving netizens exchanging thoughts.
While some Kenyans lauded the President’s hands-on approach to farming, others, like Octopizzo, used the moment to highlight the stark contrast between large-scale farmers with access to advanced equipment and smallholder farmers struggling with basic tools.
Here are some of the comments to the president’s video:
@MamaMbogaKE: “Seeing the President in the field is encouraging. Now, let’s see actual policies that benefit local farmers and not just big farms.”
@Brian_TheRealist: “Nice clip, but will it change anything for struggling farmers? Action speaks louder than PR.”
@MutindaM: “This is great for optics, but how many ordinary Kenyan farmers can afford those high-tech tractors? We need real solutions!”
