Ruto hits out at opposition as he defends union with Raila

President William Ruto has slammed his critics, claiming they have no vision for the country apart from calling him names.

Ruto expressed confidence in winning a second term in 2027, accusing his critics of ushering in a campaign mood instead of focusing on development.

Interestingly, the President and his deputy, Kithure Kindiki, have also been traversing the country and hosting delegations as they seek endorsement for another term.

“Our opponents are currently in a political mode, but I have told them to allow me and ODM leader Raila Odinga to work for the people. These people do not have an agenda. All they can do is call me names,” he said.

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The President spoke yesterday in Kisumu as he continued with his quest to strengthen his political union with Raila and his political stronghold.

"It is you people who asked us to unite this country. You told us to unite and build this government to stop divisive politics and ensure that every part of this country benefits. We want to work for the people. We do not have time for politics. You see me now standing here with Raila, our focus is development.”

He also claimed his rivals had attempted to stall the affordable housing project.

“Will these people really manage us? I am telling them to stop politicking with the affordable housing programme and find something else. I am telling them in broad daylight that this program is employing our young people and improving the economy of this country,” he said.

Raila said he would donate five acres of land for the construction of affordable housing units by the government.

“We said we do not want our people to wait for development any further. We want to improve their lives. We cannot say we are waiting for another government; we are saying this current government must be allowed to work for our people. It is against this backdrop that we signed an MoU with UDA. This union will ensure no part of this country is left behind in development,” he said.

Ruto said besides the Makasembo housing project, the government will build 4,000 other units in the county, out of which 2,400 were already underway. He said his administration targets 15,000 houses in Kisumu.

He said the extension of the SGR from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba into Uganda would start in December.

The President is also expected to unveil several projects in Homa Bay ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations. [Olivia Odhiambo]

Among the completed projects is the Sh600 million rehabilitation of Homa Bay Pier. Additionally, the second phase of the administration and lecture hall block at Tom Mboya University, which cost Sh1.2 billion, is nearing completion.

The government has also finalised the Sh673.9 million Kendu Bay Water Supply and Sanitation Project. In Rachuonyo South and East Sub-counties, the Oyugis Water Supply and Sanitation Project, valued at Sh1.3 billion, has been completed. [Olivia Odhiambo]

Road infrastructure has seen significant improvement, including the upgrade of the Rusinga Ring Road at a cost of Sh1.2 billion. On Mfangano Island, the Mfangano Ring Road has been upgraded to bitumen standard at Sh299.8 million. The tarmacking of the Mbita–Sindo–Kiabuya–Sori Road in the Suba region is underway.

In the housing sector, the government is constructing 110 affordable housing units in Homa Bay Town at a cost of Sh227.01 million. According to officials, the project is 97 per cent complete.

Several modern markets are also being built across the county, including a fish market at Koginga Beach in Homa Bay Town, costing Sh345.8 million.

In preparations for the Madaraka Day celebrations, access roads in Homa Bay Town are being upgraded to a bitumen standard. The main highway in the town is being converted into a dual carriageway from Junction Kodoyo to Rang’wena via the Pier.