President William Ruto on Sunday weighed in on simmering political differences among United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders in Kiambu County, urging them to prioritise service delivery over political rivalry.
Speaking at the 3rd anniversary of Jesus Compassion Ministries (JCM) in Ruiru on Sunday, the President called on Kiambu leaders to put aside political differences and focus on serving the millions of residents who entrusted them with their votes.
“I want all leaders to listen to me—from MCAs to the Governor, MP, Senator, Woman Representative and myself as President. We are the workers of the people of Kiambu and all Kenyans. If work is not done, we are the ones to be blamed,” President Ruto said.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi and Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, who have previously clashed publicly, were also in attendance.
“Don’t look for someone to blame. If there is work to be done in Kiambu, we must work together. I will not allow the work to be sabotaged when we have capable leaders,” he said.
As UDA party leader, President Ruto said that his party will not tolerate failure.
“If there is an issue in Githurai, let us not blame each other. Let’s solve the problem as a team. We are all in the government, and there is no opposition leader here. You have the responsibility to solve the problems of Kiambu County,” he said.
The President also assured residents that mechanisms are in place to ensure the Kenya Kwanza government’s manifesto is implemented in Kiambu, just as in other parts of the country.
During the service, Governor Wamatangi expressed disappointment over the recent demolition of businesses along parts of the Thika Superhighway by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).
“As much as we support the project, the evictions should have been carried out in an orderly manner, with proper compensation for those affected. KeNHA should be more sensitive to the situation,” Governor Wamatangi said.
Ms Ng’ang’a also drummed up support for her 2027 gubernatorial bid, saying she intends to follow in President Ruto’s footsteps, recalling how he earned the nickname “Tangatanga” for moving across the country to connect with voters.
The leaders met one month after Governor Wamatangi’s business premises near Nairobi’s Nyayo Stadium were demolished, a move that sparked public debate about his relationship with the national government.
During the service, President Ruto pledged support for JCM Bishop Benson Gathungu Kamau, popularly known as Muthee Kiengei, to advance church programmes supporting youth and the needy.
Marking three years since the church’s founding, the President contributed Sh9 million to be disbursed in Sh3 million annual instalments and promised an additional Sh5 million for the church’s NYOTA programme.
“I will also add Sh5 million to support this programme. Give me the church account so I can see how to help directly,” he said.
