Ruto urges Orengo to stop being used to oppose Govt programmes

President William Ruto has implored Governor of Siaya County, Fred Matiang'i, to cease being a pawn for former President Uhuru Kenyatta who seeks to obstruct government initiatives. The President emphasized that the residents of Siaya did not vote for him as Governor to function as Kenyatta's proxy. Ruto further stated that Kenyatta's inability to defeat him in the 2022 General Election does not mean he can do so now that he is the incumbent President.

The ex-Head of State had effectively diminished his stature to that of an opposition leader, rallying individuals to oppose projects previously unfulfilled during his tenure.

During a development tour of Siaya County, Ruto cautioned Kenyans against backing political parties that lack a clear agenda and vision for the nation. He also implored citizens not to gamble with their votes by electing opposition leaders who have no development track record. Ruto was confident that the Broad-Based Government, a coalition of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and Kenya Kwanza, would secure a landslide victory in the upcoming elections due to its commendable development history.

He further highlighted that this political alliance possessed the capacity to unite the nation, backed by a proven track record, a credible future vision, and a practical plan to tackle the country's challenges.

Ruto denounced other political entities as mere cults, briefcase parties, and tribal affiliations, devoid of any unique contribution to Kenyans. He stressed that the nation's well-being should supersede individual politicians and political parties. He urged Kenyans to evaluate political leaders based on their plans, agenda, and track record, rather than their past titles or positions.

Earlier, Ruto inaugurated the 31.8km Kalandini-Ka Elija road in Rarieda Constituency. The Ksh 1.9 billion project aims to enhance connectivity, facilitate movement of people and goods, and bolster agriculture, fishing, and trade, connecting communities to markets and major towns along the shores of Lake Victoria. He also unveiled plans for the 500km Lake Victoria Ring Road, which has been long awaited, with construction set to commence in November 2026.

This project spans from Busia to Muhuru Bay in Migori County, traversing through Siaya, Kisumu, and Homa Bay counties. Additionally, Ruto announced a Ksh 32 billion investment in building 400km of new roads in Siaya County.

Inspecting the Bondo-Usenge-Osieko road in Bondo Constituency, Ruto disclosed that the Government is also investing Ksh 10 billion in the blue economy, including research in fingerling technology at Kabonyo, establishment of ferry services, construction of four piers, and the creation of rescue centers along Lake Victoria. Furthermore, Ksh 1.5 billion has been allocated to nine fish landing sites to ensure the blue economy in Lake Victoria generates wealth for the residents.

Ruto concluded by launching the 20km Sihay-Bar Ober-Sega road in Ugenya Constituency, expressing his commitment to closing the infrastructure gap in Siaya County and the wider Nyanza region through sustained investment in roads, water, energy, and other essential infrastructure.