- A Nakuru artist who captured national attention with his Faith Kipyegon sculpture is trending again, this time for crafting a statue of President William Ruto
- The new artwork, painted in the UDA party’s signature yellow, has ignited fresh debate online
- While some Kenyans are praising his creativity, others say the likeness still misses the mark
A Nakuru-based artist who went viral in 2024 for his sculpture of world champion Faith Kipyegon is back in the spotlight, this time for crafting a new statue of President William Ruto.
Source: Facebook
The latest creation depicts the Head of State adorned in bright yellow, the signature color of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.
How Nakuru artist gained fame
In the images, the artist is seen putting final touches on the statue of the man many love and criticise in equal measure.
A close look reveals that the fingers on Ruto’s right hand are flashing the two-term symbol, a message the president has been trying to propagate.
The artist first gained national attention in September 2024 when he unveiled a new statue of Faith Kipyegon, barely a month after awkward-looking sculptures in Eldoret caused an online stir.
His version, showing Kipyegon proudly holding the Kenyan flag, was widely seen as an improvement and earned him praise for better capturing the athlete’s likeness.
When asked about the statue, the athlete burst out laughing, saying she couldn’t comment on it but believed that there would be a better version.
Sculpture of Ruto goes viral
Now, with his latest work featuring President Ruto, the self-taught sculptor appears determined to keep his name, and his art, in the national conversation.
Whether it earns applause or laughter, one thing is clear: his bold and colorful creations continue to capture the country’s imagination.
It remains to be seen whether the president will take notice of the sculpture, and what his reaction will be.
Photos of the artwork have since gone viral online, sparking both admiration and amusement among Kenyans.
Source: Instagram
Kenyans react to sculpture of Ruto
Collins Amasa
“Ukiangalia kwa umbali anakaa Tenge Tenge, ukisonga karibu anakaa chevukati, ukiangalia kwa kando ndio unaanza kuona Kasongo.”
Ruth Nafla
“Huku nje watu hawalali, ni kutafuta pesa, lakini mapua ndio umempea na moyo wote. Hii itanusa hadi next year.”
MUNGU:
“Exactly what you get when you mix Atwoli and Kasongo. The real work of my hands and his parents combined.”
Catchy Alma
“Huyu jamaa ndio amewahi kutana na Ruto face to face juu weee, huyu ni Ruto kabisaaa.”
Eldoret town disowned ugly sculptures
The Nakuru artist’s sculpture of Kipyegon came at a time Eldoret leaders were experiencing ridicule from Kenyans over what had been installed,
It emerged that the Eldoret’s county government had hurriedly put up the statues ahead of its coronation as a city in August 2024.
There was a public uproar, forcing the government to bring them down immediately and distance themselves.
According to Uasin Gishu governor Jonathan Bii, the business community had promised to surprise them with artwork, only install the hideous statues.
Source: TUKO.co.ke