President William Ruto has criticised opposition leaders for opposing government development projects, saying he will continue taking development to all parts of the country. Speaking in Maungu, Ruto said some leaders were complaining about the location of the market because it was being built far from Nairobi. He questioned why such concerns were being raised, saying the same people would not complain if the project was being built in Nairobi.
Ruto's remarks come amid ongoing debates about the equitable distribution of development resources across Kenya. The President's comments reflect a broader frustration with what he perceives as selective criticism from opposition figures, who he believes are not prioritising the needs of all Kenyans. He further accused his critics of practising discrimination in deciding where development projects should be taken, suggesting that their opposition stems from a bias towards urban areas, particularly the capital city.
“Tunafaa kupunguza Ubaguzi ambao wale waliokuwa wanatuongoza walikuwa nao, badala ya hayo tuwe na haki kwa kila mahali.” Ruto said. This statement underscores his administration's commitment to addressing historical inequalities in development, particularly in regions that have been overlooked in favor of more developed urban centers.
The President highlighted the challenges faced by Mombasa and the wider Coast region, stating that these areas have suffered from poverty for years, with many residents being pushed away from opportunities. “Mombasa imesumbuliwa sana juu ya umaskini, na wengi wamekuwa wakifukuzwa” he said. His comments resonate with the experiences of many Kenyans who feel marginalized in the national development agenda.
Ruto's administration has pledged to implement various development projects aimed at uplifting these underserved regions. He reiterated that his government would continue serving Kenyans across the country and implementing development projects in different regions. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of their geographical location, have access to essential services and opportunities for economic advancement.
He concluded by saying that development should not be concentrated in Nairobi, saying people in every part of the country deserve access to government projects and services. This statement reflects a growing recognition of the need for a more inclusive approach to national development, one that prioritizes the needs of all citizens, particularly those in rural and marginalized areas.
