Wetang'ula defends Ruto agenda to spread development to marginalised areas

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula has defended President William Ruto's development record, saying the Kenya Kwanza administration has ensured that every part of the country benefits equally from government projects regardless of region or ethnicity.

Wetang’ula, who was speaking in Lafey Constituency, Mandera County on Tuesday, said the expansion of road infrastructure and other development projects to historically marginalised regions demonstrates the Government's commitment to equitable development.

The Speaker argued that Kenya is one united nation and that all regions deserve equal attention from the national government, adding that the administration's development agenda is one of the reasons President Ruto deserves a second term in office.

“I would like the residents of North Eastern region to apply for national identity cards and register as voters, since the Government has simplified the process of acquiring identification documents which was a difficult exercise in the past,” said Wetang’ula.

Speaking during a Community Empowerment Programme hosted by Lafey MP Mohammed Abdikheir, Wetang’ula said that obtaining national IDs would enable more eligible citizens to register to vote and fully participate in the country's democratic process by electing their leaders.

The Speaker assured North Eastern residents that the Government would continue promoting equal representation and inclusive development across all parts of Kenya, saying no community would be left behind.

Wetang’ula criticised leaders he accused of promoting tribal politics, insisting that ethnicity has no place in modern Kenya, warning those making tribal utterances that their days are numbered because Kenyans will punish them at the ballot during the general election next year.

“The Government is committed to creating employment opportunities by recruiting professionals across different sectors of the economy; that is why President Ruto is working towards reaching all parts of the country that had been marginalised for many years,” said Wetang’ula.

According to Wetang'ula, President Ruto's re-election campaign will be anchored in the economic transformation agenda, which he said has focused on improving livelihoods, expanding infrastructure, creating jobs and strengthening service delivery across the country.

Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale said Mandera County had registered nearly 300,000 residents under the Social Health Authority (SHA), describing it as evidence of the Government's efforts to expand access to healthcare.

Duale said the President's only mistake, according to his critics, was ensuring that development and government services reached every part of Kenya equally, something that has not happened since independence, which made some citizens feel isolated.

"The only mistake President Ruto has made is ensuring that every county is represented equally; we will not stop serving our people because of political middlemen who want to derail our development agenda," said Duale.

Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse defended his decision to sponsor the motion that led to the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, saying he had no regrets since he has continued advancing divisive politics and seeking to turn communities against each other.

"The former Deputy President is an individual whose interest in leadership has been to divide this country along tribal lines. We have made significant strides under the leadership of President William Ruto, and we will not look back,” said Mutuse.

The Kibwezi West MP further argued that every Kenyan deserves an equal opportunity regardless of their community and that the President has worked to ensure that, terming it as the reason why those who have benefited are now fighting him.

Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi said the Kenya Kwanza administration had demonstrated fairness in employment, development and economic opportunities, dismissing attempts by government critics to undermine the country's economy.

"North Eastern is an integral part of Kenya; we have individuals who want to sabotage the country's economy. No individual can purport to suspend the country's economy because Ruto would secure a second term before attention shifts to the succession politics of 2032.

"President Ruto will serve his second term; we must begin thinking about how power will transition in 2032. Leadership should also reach communities that have never had the opportunity to lead this country," said Ikana.