Deputy President William Ruto confers with Kakamega Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale during a high-profile fundraising event. On Saturday, May 30, 2015, the leaders joined residents at Makhokho Secondary School in Ikolomani constituency to raise funds for women and youth groups practicing Table Banking. The DP, who was the guest of honor, commended the local community for embracing the “Joyful Women” (JOYWO) initiative, a table banking model championed by Her Excellency Rachel Ruto. Despite their political differences within the Jubilee and CORD coalitions respectively, the two leaders shared a platform to support economic empowerment. Khalwale welcomed the DP to his “bedroom” (Ikolomani) but challenged the national government to ensure that the multi-billion-shilling Mumias Sugar Company bailout was protected from looters. Ruto, in response, assured the youth and women groups of the government’s commitment to matching their savings through the Women Enterprise and Uwezo funds, while urging local leaders to prioritize development over perennial politicking. May 30, 2015.