President William Ruto on Thursday accused his political opponents of resorting to intimidation and empty threats, warning that such tactics would not succeed in ousting him from office.
In a scathing attack on the leaders under the Alternative Government banner, Dr Ruto reiterated his commitment to safeguarding citizens from political intimidation, vowing to uphold democratic principles and inclusivity.
He spoke in Nyamira County where he made various stopovers during a "meet the people" tour and said he would not allow the opposition to ruin the country in the name of politics.
"This country belongs to all citizens and they will not intimidate anyone. They cannot tell us that they will remove the president.. Kenya does not belong to a few people but all of us, not a few of the political class,” he said.
He noted that only Kenyans can and will determine the destiny of the nation. The head of State exuded confidence that none of the leaders in the opposition is sufficiently qualified to challenge him in the 2027 general election.
“Do they really know me? None has the political weight, vision and track record needed to mount a serious contest against me. Let them stop their pride and prejudice. They say they can threaten the Republic of Kenya, remove other leaders from office, and that the country will come to a halt. Kenya will not fail; you are the ones who will fail," said the President.
He said the opposition leaders cannot threaten him, warning that they do not know him well.
The President was accompanied to the region by his deputy Prof Kithure Kindiki and several other leaders from Gusii led by Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo.
On Sunday, President Ruto met elected leaders from Gusii at the Kisii State Lodge in what sources reveal is a strategy to consolidate the region behind him.
Key in his plan is the involvement of grassroots leaders where he rallied the about 70 Members of County Assembly from Kisii and Nyamira who attended the meeting to support his second term bid.
The President had earlier in the day embarked on a development tour of the region that will end on Wednesday.
Key leaders present in the meeting were governors Simba Arati (Kisii) and Amos Nyaribo (Nyamira). Members of the National Assembly from the region allied to the Broad-based government led by National Assembly Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro also attended.
President Ruto used the occasion to woo the leaders especially the MCAs, most of whom have been supporting Jubilee's possible presidential flag bearer Dr Fred Matiang'i to his side.
More than 50 MCAs from Kisii and over 20 from Nyamira attended the meeting cum dinner. Majority Leaders George Abuga (Nyamira) and Henry Moracha( Kisii) rallied attendees to support President Ruto.
During the meeting, the head of state promised a new stadium for Nyamira County worth Sh950 million, on top of a similar amount that has been allocated to Gusii Stadium upgrade whose works he initiated on Sunday.
He also promised a Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) intermediate station at Ikonge and asked Governor Nyaribo to lead other leaders in coming up with a ground measuring at least 11 acres for the construction of the modern stadium in Nyamira.
Even as the President began his four-day tour of the region with a basket of goodies, some observers regard it as an attempt to sway the region's support from its son, Jubilee’s Dr Fred Matiang'i, who has announced his bid for the presidency.
President Ruto, who asked residents to support his second term as well as leaders allied to the broad-based government, began his tour by breaking ground for the refurbishment of Gusii Stadium to international standards, a project he said will cost the government Sh1 billion.
The Head of State asked residents to shun the opposition brigade, which he said has no development agenda for them.
On matters of development, President Ruto said the construction of Nyamira University College will expand access to higher learning in the county and the wider region.
"To turn this vision into reality, we have committed Sh500 million to build the university and Sh300 million for student hostels," he said before laying the foundation stone for the controversial Nyamira University College at Kiabonyoru in North Mugirango.
He noted that his government is strengthening medical training institutions to ensure an adequate pool of qualified professionals to support the delivery of the universal health programme.
He said: "We laid the foundation stone for the 580-capacity student hostel at Kenya Medical Training College Nyamira. We will also build 20 classrooms and five laboratories for the institution."
In Nyamira County, he said they are building hostels that will accommodate 3,000 students at a cost of Sh1.3 billion under the Affordable Housing Programme.
He added that his administration is investing Sh15 billion to build affordable housing units, modern markets, and student hostels in Nyamira County.
Additionally, they have secured Sh900 million for the construction of a stadium in the county and will inject Sh1 billion into the upgrade of Nyamira County Referral Hospital.
"On roads, we are undertaking several key projects. The 61-kilometer Eronge-Kebuse-Omonyenya road is 58 percent complete, while the Manga-Motemomwamu road stands at 38 percent. At the same time, the Keumbo-Kiendege road will be launched tomorrow, while Chabera-Nyamusi-Nyamaiya and Tombe-Isinta-Gitaru roads have been advertised and will commence once the processes are completed," he said.
He revealed that the Standard Gauge Railway extension from Narok to Kisumu will include a Sh300 million station at Ikonge.
He laid the foundation stone for the Sh70 million Ikonge Modern Market, Nyamira County. Upon completion, it will accommodate 200 traders.
