By PCS
President William Ruto has commended Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka for his remarks that God is using the President to drive development in Ukambani, saying the opposition leader is also being used by God to publicise the Government’s achievements.
He appreciated Mr Musyoka’s recognition of his development efforts, particularly road construction, and explained that his administration was implementing projects aimed at improving access to infrastructure, water and healthcare in Ukambani and across the country.
Speaking when he began a four-day development tour of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui Counties on Saturday, President Ruto took issue with some leaders whom he accused of refusing to acknowledge national transformation even when development had been "implemented near their homes".
But he praised Mr Musyoka for acknowledging the milestones the Government has achieved even as other leaders continued to pour scorn on the Government’s record. “Jameni, Bwana Kalonzo ako na ukweli. Mahali kazi imefanyika anasema imefanyika,” the President said. (Mr Kalonzo is genuine and tells the truth. Where the Government has made progress, he acknowledges).
He commended what he termed as the opposition leader’s willingness to recognise development where it has been delivered.
At the same time, President Ruto urged residents of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties to support his re-election bid, saying his administration has given priority to development, equity and service delivery across the country.
The President regretted that the region had been marginalised for a long time because of bad politics. "Ukambani region has lagged behind in infrastructure and other forms of development because of the bad politics of marginalisation and tribalism," he said.
He told off leaders claiming that his administration has not implemented development projects across the country, describing them as dishonest. "Our development track record in affordable housing, universal healthcare, modern markets, roads, financial inclusion, water and agriculture, among other sectors, speak for itself. The projects are there for all to see," President Ruto pointed out.
Additionally, President Ruto noted that some people are angry at him because he has ensured equal distribution of resources across all parts of the country. "There are people who are mad at me because I have ensured development funds get to all parts of the country. I wonder why they are angry at me yet the law is clear on the distribution of national resources," he said.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wa urged the Wiper Party leader to join hands with President Ruto, saying those who are working with him in the opposition are dishonest. "Those who are working with our brother Kalonzo are hypocrites who betrayed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and now they want to do the same to Kalonzo," he said.
Meanwhile, President Ruto announced that the Government has provided KSh 11 billion to accelerate the completion of works on Thwake Dam. He pointed out that Thwake Dam is the largest water project to be undertaken in Kenya, saying the project is scheduled to be completed by April 2027. "With the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund, we now have a plan and resources to build more dams and deliver water for domestic use, livestock and irrigation," President Ruto stated.
Earlier, President Ruto launched the KSh1.4 billion Kyambeke-Kyuasini-Ukia road and commissioned the KSh1.5 billion Kyambeke-Kikoko road in Kaiti Constituency, Makueni County.
He said the Government is investing KSh16 billion to build seven new roads - 180km - across Makueni County to open up the region, improve connectivity and unleash its economic potential.
He also issued 6,800 title deeds to the people of Kaiti Constituency at Kyambeke trading centre, Makueni County. "We are committed to fulfilling our promise to end land challenges across the country and give ownership to millions of Kenyans," he said.
In Machakos County, the President commissioned the KSh1.47 billion Mwala Cluster Water Supply Project in Machakos County to address decades of water scarcity in the region. "With a supply capacity of 6.6 million litres a day, the project provides reliable access to clean water for 137,400 people and 10 institutions in 10 towns," he said.
Phase Two of the project, a KSh500 million last mile plan, will extend water access to an additional 120,000 residents in Mwala Constituency.
The President said the Government is also building 10 new roads in Machakos County at a cost of KSh21 billion in our plan to open up every part of the country.
In Kwa Vonza, Kitui County, the President launched the tarmacking of the 10-kilometre Kwa Vonza-Kiusyani Road, which will be completed in 18 months.
"We are united in transforming every part of our country — including Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties. No area or region will be marginalised or neglected because of its political inclination.That is what we mean by Usawa ni Sawa," said President Ruto.
Cabinet Secretaries Eric Muuga (Water), Alfred Mutua (Labour) and Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service), and several MPs were also present.
MPs Mwengi Mutuse (Kibwezi West) and Vincent Musyoka Kawaya (Mwala) told the residents of Ukambani to support President Ruto in 2027, saying he was committed to development of Kenya.
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