President William Ruto has presided over the launch of the construction of the Kenyoro SDA–Riana Market–Mwata road in Bonchari Constituency, Kisii County, as he continued his development tour of the region.
The President was accompanied by Kisii Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, Nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri, South Mugirango Member of Parliament Sylvanus Osoro and Kisii Woman Representative Doris Aburi.
Speaking during the launch at Kenyoro, Ruto said the government was committed to improving road infrastructure across the country, including in rural areas, to support economic activities and improve residents’ livelihoods.
He noted that better roads would make it easier for farmers to transport their agricultural produce to markets, reduce transportation challenges and improve access to essential services.
The President also announced that the government was expanding electricity connectivity to more households through the Last Mile Connectivity Programme.
According to Ruto, the electricity expansion initiative will cost approximately KSh 1.7 billion and is expected to benefit about 25,000 households across the country.
He said the programme would not only improve access to electricity but also enhance security in residential areas by ensuring more homes are connected to the national power grid.
Ruto further promised residents of the Gusii region that the government would facilitate the construction of Suneka Airstrip to improve air transport connectivity.
He said the proposed facility would make air travel more accessible to residents, reduce travel time and improve connectivity between the region and other parts of the country.
However, the President’s address also took a political turn as he launched a scathing attack on an unnamed political opponent whom he accused of spreading hatred, misleading Kenyans and attempting to divide the country along ethnic lines.
Ruto dismissed the individual’s criticism of his administration, challenging him to explain his political record before attempting to lecture others on politics.
“That man is a political failure, a liar and a conman. He claims he will teach me politics. Who does he think he is to lecture others on politics?” Ruto said.
The President also revisited claims previously made by the unnamed politician concerning the Rironi-Mau Summit highway, the Bomas of Kenya and the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He recalled that the individual had claimed the Rironi-Mau Summit road would not be constructed, insisting that the project was now progressing.
On Bomas of Kenya, Ruto dismissed claims that the facility had been sold to a Turkish investor, describing the allegations as false.
He said the government would continue using the facility, adding that a meeting would be held there in April.
The President also defended the Social Health Authority, saying it had not collapsed as previously predicted by his critics.
He claimed SHA was channelling more than KSh 8.7 billion to health facilities in Kisii County, while healthcare facilities across the country were receiving approximately KSh 190 billion.
Ruto further addressed claims surrounding the planned construction of Gikomba Market, saying the government intended to begin the project within the next one and a half months.
He dismissed suggestions that the market was being sold, arguing that such claims existed only in the mind of his political opponent.
Turning to politics, the President accused the unnamed politician of encouraging ethnic divisions and creating hostility among communities.
He challenged residents of Bonchari and Kenyans at large not to support leaders who, according to him, promote hatred and tribal divisions.
Ruto also criticised the politician for allegedly threatening to leave the country if political tensions escalated, saying Kenyan leaders should remain committed to the country rather than seek refuge elsewhere.
The President also defended young leaders in his administration, including South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro and other youthful politicians, accusing the unnamed individual of constantly fighting emerging leaders.
He questioned why the politician appeared to oppose several young leaders, including those associated with the government, arguing that the country needed to give the next generation room to grow and lead.
Ruto concluded by saying he would bring together the politicians he had criticised and eventually leave the political stage with them in 2032 to allow younger leaders to take over.
The President’s visit to Kisii is part of his ongoing development tour, during which he is also expected to officially open Nyankororo Comprehensive School before proceeding to Kitutu Chache North Constituency to launch the construction of Marani Medical Training College.
