Artist Who Created Ruto Sculpture Attacked While Seeking to Present It to President

Nakuru, Kenya – A talented self-taught sculptor from Kaplelach village was left nursing serious injuries after a planned meeting with his area Member of Parliament turned into a violent nightmare, just hours before President William Ruto’s official visit to the region.

Also read: Purity Kendi Lands Brand Deal Weeks After Explicit Video Circulates Online

The artist, identified as Sang, had traveled to Sirikwa on Sunday, October 26, carrying a sculpture of President Ruto, hoping to connect with officials from the Office of the President ahead of the Head of State’s scheduled visit on Monday.

According to his father, Thomas Mitei, the visit was meant to be a gesture of respect and loyalty, with Sang hoping the area MP would facilitate the presentation of his artwork to the President during the official function.

However, what began as an optimistic journey ended in a harrowing ordeal. Upon arrival, Sang was immediately set upon by a group of goons allegedly linked to the MP, who attacked him without provocation.

“My son went there in good faith, carrying the sculpture he had worked so hard on. He wanted to present it to the President, but instead he was attacked,” Mitei recounted, his voice heavy with emotion.

In what appeared to be an attempt to defuse the situation, the MP intervened and instructed his team to escort Sang to a vehicle, ostensibly to take him to safety. The father, however, revealed that this was merely a ruse.

“They told him they were taking him to a safe place, but it was all a setup,” Mitei said. “The car stopped at a maize farm, and that’s where they beat him up a second time. They left him there, seriously injured and bleeding.”

The brutal assault has raised serious questions about the safety of artists and the abuse of power by political figures. Sang, a carpenter by trade, is described by his father as a gifted self-trained artist who has dedicated years to honing his craft.

This was not Sang’s first sculpture of President Ruto. Mitei revealed that his son had previously created an artwork of the President back when Ruto served as Deputy President. That earlier work had earned Sang Ksh50,000 from the then-DP, a sum that significantly boosted the young artist’s confidence and inspired him to continue expressing himself through art.

“That money from the Deputy President meant a lot to my son. It wasn’t just about the money—it gave him validation and inspiration to keep creating,” Mitei explained. “He felt recognized for his talent.”

Sang’s portfolio extends beyond President Ruto. The sculptor has created artworks for several prominent politicians, including Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, establishing himself as a sought-after artist in the region despite his humble beginnings.

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents and artists’ groups, who have condemned the violence and called for immediate action against the perpetrators. Civil society organizations have demanded that the MP in question be investigated and held accountable if found complicit in the attack.

“This is an attack on artistic freedom and a clear abuse of power,” stated a representative from the Kenya Human Rights Commission. “Artists should never fear for their lives when trying to showcase their work or engage with political leaders.”

As of press time, Sang remained hospitalized, receiving treatment for his injuries. His father has called on authorities to ensure justice is served and that his son receives protection from further attacks.

The MP named in the allegations has not issued a public statement, and attempts to reach his office for comment were unsuccessful.

President Ruto’s visit to Nakuru on Monday proceeded as scheduled, but it remains unclear whether he was briefed about the attack on the sculptor who had sought to honor him through art.

The incident has cast a dark shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory presidential visit, highlighting the dangers faced by ordinary citizens who attempt to engage with Kenya’s political elite.

Follow us on Facebook