Kenya’s President Ruto Defends Development Record in Central Kenya Amid Criticism
Murang’a, Kenya – June 10, 2024
President William Ruto has fired back at critics questioning his commitment to Central Kenya, declaring that political attacks will not derail his administration’s development agenda. Speaking during a high-profile tour of Murang’a County, Ruto dismissed opposition rhetoric as “noise” and reaffirmed his long-standing ties to the region.
“No Insults Will Stop Progress”
Flanked by Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome (Housing) and William Kabogo (ICT), Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, Ruto delivered a defiant message. “Some believe hurling insults will push me out of Mt. Kenya. They’re dreaming,” he said. “My focus is on roads, schools, healthcare, and empowering farmers—not political theatrics.”
The President emphasized his two-decade relationship with Central Kenya, built on delivering campaign pledges. He challenged rivals to present alternative policies rather than “peddling tribalism and division.”
Billions Invested in Murang’a Projects
Ruto outlined a sweeping list of investments aimed at transforming Murang’a:
- Affordable Housing: A KSh27 billion initiative will construct 6,800 housing units, 25 modern markets, and student hostels for 7,000 learners.
- Electricity Access: KSh1.1 billion allocated to connect 14,000 households under the last-mile power program.
- Agriculture: Fertilizer prices slashed from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500, while coffee reforms boosted farmer earnings from KSh60 to KSh160 per kilogram.
- Healthcare: KSh2.2 billion spent in the past year, with 452,000 residents enrolled in the Social Health Authority.
Infrastructure Push
Key projects launched or inspected included:
- Mau Mau Roads: KSh2 billion allocated for upgrades.
- Kenneth Matiba Hospital: KSh270 million expansion underway.
- Mumbi Stadium: A 10,000-seater facility nearing completion.
- ICT Hub: A Jitume Lab with 100 computers to train youth in digital skills.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki echoed Ruto’s stance, cautioning against divisive politics. Meanwhile, Governor Kang’ata praised federal-county collaboration, citing job creation and industrialization gains.
Opposition Told to “Step Up”
Ruto’s remarks underscored his administration’s performance-based pitch ahead of future elections. “If leaders only specialize in hate speech, they’re unfit to govern,” he said. Housing PS Alice Wahome noted the Affordable Housing Programme has already generated 640,000 jobs nationwide.
With Murang’a residents cheering new projects, the visit reinforced Ruto’s strategy: betting on development to counter political foes.
— Reported by Nexio News
