President William Ruto has challenged opposition leaders to
end what he called divisive politics and instead showcase their concrete
development achievements ahead of the 2027 polls.
During a Sunday church service at AIC Githumu in Kandara,
Murang’a county, the President emphasised that leaders should be judged on
their tangible accomplishments rather than rhetoric based on insults, tribalism
and hatred.
“Isn’t a leader measured by the work they do? Is there
someone who is measured by the number of insults? Is someone measured by
tribalism or hatred?” Ruto asked.
“Everyone will be measured by the work they do,” he added.
Ruto said he is prepared to face his competitors at the
ballot by presenting his administration’s development record, encouraging
rivals to do the same, instead of engaging in personal attacks.
“That is why I have told those competing with us that there is no
need for fights, insults, hatred or tribalism. Just bring your scorecard. I
will bring mine and voters will decide,” he said.
The President criticised the opposition for perpetuating
what he called the “politics of abuses and division”, arguing that such tactics do
little to advance Kenya’s development.
He said the focus should be on measurable progress in
infrastructure, education, healthcare and agriculture.
“If you have built a church, a road, connected electricity,
improved agriculture, educated our children or expanded healthcare, that is how
you will be measured,” Ruto said.
“If you have built a road, come with that road. I will also
come with what I have done. Let them bring the schools they have built; I will
come with mine. That is how we are going to move the country forward.”
This was the second time in two weeks that the President had visited Murang’a. Last week, he traversed the county in a two-day development
tour.
He leveraged the church occasion on Sunday to rally the
region to back his re-election bid.
Ruto is fighting to retain his support base in the vote-rich
Mt Kenya region amidst a fierce fight with his former estranged deputy, Rigathi
Gachagua, who has declared himself the region’s political kingpin.
The President exuded confidence that he would be reelected,
citing the numerous projects his administration has undertaken, especially in
Murang’a, as part of his broader development agenda.
“I want to assure you, the people of Murang’a and the entire
country, that we are going to transform Kenya through development programmes,”
he said.
“What we cannot do is make noise through politics, insults
and blackmail. That cannot help us. We must partner and work together for Kenya
to make progress.”
Ruto said the government has invested billions of shillings
in development projects nationwide in housing, markets and infrastructure.
“As I speak to you now, we have put Sh27 billion into
Murang’a alone. Is there any government that has built 20 markets here in
Murang’a?” he asked.
He said the affordable housing scheme is a key part of his
economic plan, with thousands of units under construction in the county.
“Here in Murang’a, we are building 5,000 affordable housing
units and hostels to house 4,500 students. That is how we are transforming
Kenya,” Ruto said.
Nationwide, the housing programme has created significant
employment opportunities for young people.
“Today in Kenya, housing alone is employing 640,000 youths.
Across the country, we have projects worth about Sh600 billion,” he said.
The President reaffirmed his commitment to maintain close
ties with the Mt Kenya region, where he has recently increased political and
development visits.
Ruto is working to strengthen his support base in the region
at a time of rivalry with his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua.
Despite the competition, the President took a conciliatory
tone, promising continued engagement with residents.
“I am happy to be here in Murang’a, and I will come again
and again. There are many things we have built together, and there is more we
will continue to do,” he said.
