Ruto warns Kenyans against gambling with the country’s future by electing opposition

Nairobi, Kenya, November 8 - President William Ruto has cautioned Kenyans against allowing opposition figures to risk the nation's future through election, urging his political opponents to present concrete development plans instead of resorting to criticism and rhetoric. In an address during a church service in Nyamira County, Ruto questioned whether his rivals truly grasp the country's development priorities, stressing that voters should evaluate leaders by their agendas, strategies and vision.

He emphasized that Kenyans should not risk reversing the achievements of his administration by trusting politicians who lack clear plans for addressing the nation's challenges. Ruto cautioned against political gambling, asserting that the country must not jeopardize the progress made under his leadership. He challenged opposition leaders to explain how they would tackle issues such as high living costs, unemployment, infrastructure deficiencies and obstacles in education and agriculture.

The President highlighted Kenyans' desire for practical solutions, including lower transportation expenses through improved roads, affordable education, reduced fertiliser prices, better returns for farmers and employment opportunities for the youth. He defended his administration's accomplishments, pointing to investments in roads, education, healthcare, electricity access and agricultural reforms.

Ruto announced that the government had allocated Sh1.2 billion to support the modernization of tea factories in the Rift Valley region, aiming to ensure equal compensation for farmers in both eastern and western areas. The administration has also hired 100,000 teachers and is developing a new university funding law to prevent students from dropping out due to financial constraints.

On healthcare, the President mentioned the expansion of the Social Health Authority, with 1,381 people registered in Nyamira County. He further detailed infrastructure initiatives, including KSh11 billion allocated for road construction, a Sh1.7 billion Sh5-level hospital, and a Sh1 billion international stadium, alongside plans for markets, a university and an industrial park.

Ruto urged residents to support the continuation of these development projects, questioning whether they preferred the government to move forward with its plans or allow divisive and tribalistic politics to dominate.