Trending reports on social media have been circulating about Eliud Owalo, president William Ruto’s Deputy Chief of Staff, with many users criticizing his failure to support bloggers who work tirelessly to promote his political image. Bloggers have expressed frustration over unpaid work, with some even sharing stories of being abandoned despite their long-standing loyalty.
This has sparked a wider conversation about the responsibilities political figures have toward those who help build their public profiles, especially when financial struggles are involved.
It’s become increasingly clear that political figures like Owalo are more than happy to accept the work of bloggers who boost their presence online, but when these bloggers face hard times, the support they desperately need is nowhere to be found.
Bloggers often do their jobs without any formal contracts, hoping for compensation that never materializes. This lack of support leads to severe consequences, both emotionally and financially, for people who contribute to shaping the political narrative.
Owalo has been called out for this pattern of neglect. He continues to benefit from the work of bloggers but seems unwilling to offer any financial support when they face hardships. This behavior has been highlighted in many online discussions, with accusations that Owalo treats bloggers as disposable.
His failure to address their basic needs, let alone compensate them fairly, has left many feeling used and disillusioned.
The tragic story of Ken Arek, a blogger who worked closely with Owalo, serves as a harsh example of this neglect. Arek, who had been an integral part of Owalo’s online presence for over a decade, faced severe financial difficulties, eventually leading to his eviction and homelessness.
He tried reaching out to Owalo for help, but his requests went unanswered. Arek’s situation worsened as he dealt with the emotional burden of caring for a terminally ill mother and struggling to make ends meet.
Sadly, Arek passed away on April 19, 2025, reportedly from depression due to the financial stress and lack of support. After his death, Owalo expressed condolences and arranged for the transfer of Arek’s body, but many felt these actions came too late to make a meaningful difference.
Arek’s tragic end highlights the consequences of Owalo’s indifference, raising serious questions about the treatment of those who work behind the scenes to build a politician’s image.
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