By KPC Reporter
President William Ruto has dismissed critics seeking to undermine his relationship with residents of the Mt Kenya region, insisting the ties remain strong after more than two decades of engagement and development delivery.
Speaking during a development tour of Murang’a County, the President said no amount of “name-calling, incitement and propaganda” would weaken the bond, which he said is anchored on projects agreed upon before the 2022 General Election.
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“There are people who think they can insult me and make noise to drive me out of the Mt Kenya region. I want to tell them that they are daydreaming,” he said, adding that he will continue investing in infrastructure, education, agriculture and healthcare.
Ruto said he does not require permission to visit any part of the country to update citizens on government programmes, and challenged the opposition to present alternative policies instead of engaging in what he termed divisive politics.
“The people will decide the fate of every leader based on their track record,” he said.
The President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Alice Wahome and William Kabogo, Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, MPs and MCAs.
Multi-billion development projects
In Murang’a County, the President announced investments worth KSh27 billion targeting affordable housing, markets and student accommodation. The projects include construction of 6,800 housing units, 25 modern markets and hostels for 7,000 students.
To boost electricity access, he said KSh1.1 billion has been allocated to connect 14,000 households.
On agriculture, Ruto cited reforms including the reduction of fertiliser prices from KSh7,000 to KSh2,500, which he said has improved productivity. He also said the removal of brokers in the coffee sector has increased farmer earnings, with prices rising from about KSh60 per kilo to between KSh110 and KSh160.
“The price of coffee will continue rising because we have put in place proper management to ensure no one steals from farmers again,” he said.
The government will also provide KSh10 million for solar dryers for coffee factories in Mathioya Constituency.
Health, roads and education
On healthcare, the President said 452,000 Murang’a residents have registered under the Social Health Authority, with KSh2.2 billion already paid to hospitals in the county over the past year.
He added that KSh2 billion has been disbursed for the completion of Mau Mau roads in Murang’a and neighbouring counties.
During the tour, Ruto launched construction of the 18.5km Kiriko–Kagumoini–Gitugi–Chui–Karugia road and laid the foundation stone for a 580-unit hostel at Kiharu TVET worth KSh300 million.
He also commissioned an ICT Jitume Lab equipped with 100 computers at the institution to equip students with digital skills, and launched the 165-unit Kiharu Affordable Housing Project, with an additional 370 units planned.
The President further inspected the 10,000-seater Mumbi Stadium, a KSh950 million project, and the Kayole Modern Market valued at KSh50 million.
In Gatanga and Kandara constituencies, he launched construction of 1,910 and 730 affordable housing units respectively, alongside a last-mile electricity connectivity project.
Ruto also pledged KSh270 million for the expansion of the Kenneth Matiba Hospital to strengthen emergency services.
Leaders back government agenda
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government remains committed to its transformation agenda and warned against leaders promoting division along tribal lines.
“Kenyans will decide for themselves. They do not need a broker to decide for them,” he said.
Governor Kang’ata welcomed the projects, saying collaboration between the national and county governments will accelerate industrialisation and job creation in Murang’a.
Housing CS Wahome said the government is on track to deliver 500 markets nationwide, noting that the Affordable Housing Programme has already created over 640,000 jobs.
