Wantam? Forget about it, Ruto tells critics on by-election triumph
President William Ruto address residents of Rironi in Kiambu County, during the launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road expansion.
Buoyed by the triumphs in the just concluded by-elections, President William Ruto has assumed renewed confidence in his leadership and continued grip on his support bases.
The win, he says, is a testament to his unity efforts through the broad-based government and development plans that have resonated with the aspirations of the majority of Kenyans.
From the results announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the broad-based team swept all the seats for Members of Parliament and Baringo Senate.
The MP seats the broad-based team won are Mbeere North, Kasipul, Malava, Ugunja, Banisa, and Magarini.
"This shows that Kenyans believe in my idea of unity and the prosperity of this nation. I will continue uniting all Kenyans as this is the surest way to progress as a nation," said Dr Ruto.
He was speaking at Rironi, Kiambu County, during the launch of the Rironi–Mau Summit Highway and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road expansion.
He insisted that the outcome of the by-elections is a clear warning to his critics—more so the United Opposition—who he said have not shown what plan they have for the country apart from seeking to oust him.
“I know there is a group that has been coming here with no agenda other than ‘Wantam’ and ‘Kasongo Must Go’. This should be a wake-up call to them, as Kenyans are not interested in that,” stated President Ruto, making reference to an opposition-backed rallying call that he serves wantam (one term) and not get re-elected in 2027.
He slammed the United Opposition for what he said is perpetrating ethnicity, division and hatred.
“The results just affirm what I have been saying: that Kenyans are not interested in politics of division and tribalism, but want unity and prosperity. I want to warn those who are busy discussing leadership positions that if they do not find an agenda, Kenyans will punish them at the ballot come 2027,” said President Ruto.
After launching the project at Rironi, President Ruto reiterated his plan to transform Kenya into a world-class economy by working with all regions in the country.
Dr Ruto noted that the launch of the project is a manifestation that his administration is keen on actualizing the plans and promises he made to Kenyans.
"What we are doing today is historical and a testament to our promise to transform Kenya into a first-world country. Those who were doubting should start believing that this is going to happen," said Dr Ruto.
He took the opportunity to defend the project financing model, a Public–Private Partnership that will cost Sh170 billion for the entire project.
The project, which is set to be completed by 2027, will include the dualling of 175 km of road from Rironi to Mau Summit and another 58 km from Rironi to Maai Mahiu and Naivasha.
The project, which will be undertaken by two contractors, is set to provide thousands of job opportunities, with 15,000 youth expected to gain skills as they help build the highway.
The President promised to launch more road projects in the coming months toward achieving his target of constructing 28,000 kilometers of tarmac roads across the country.
Other roads set for expansion to dual carriage include Muthaiga to Kiambu and Ndumberi; Machakos Junction to Mariakani; Mau Summit to Kericho and Kisumu; and Kisumu to Busia.
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