The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
“Even if they unite to the last man, I will defeat them because unity without an agenda for Kenyans will not win them votes,” Ruto said.
Speaking on Thursday during a development tour of Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties, the Head of State accused his opponents of prioritising political alliances over proposing practical solutions to the country’s challenges.
He characterised the opposition as being driven by anger and discrimination, insisting that voters wanted leaders with clear development plans rather than politicians who relied on ethnic numbers to secure power.
“Kenyans want leaders who have an agenda, a plan and vision, not those who sell tribal arithmetic or are full of hate and anger,” he said.
Ruto said Kenya had experienced a political shift ahead of the 2022 General Election, when he campaigned on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which focused on improving the livelihoods of vulnerable and marginalised communities.
He maintained that his administration was fulfilling its campaign promises and urged critics to concentrate on development matters instead of pursuing leadership positions without concrete plans.
The President said Kenyans were now assessing his government based on the commitments he made during the campaign, adding that the country needed leaders with practical solutions.
“Today, Kenyans are holding me to account for what I promised them. We don’t want people who look for power without a plan,” he said.
To demonstrate his administration’s progress since assuming office in 2022, Ruto pointed to lower fertiliser prices and improved earnings for coffee, tea, milk and sugarcane farmers.
He also defended the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), rejecting calls for its abolition. According to the President, the fund had helped settle outstanding payments owed to road contractors and support ongoing infrastructure projects.
Ruto further cited plans to construct 6,000 kilometres of roads nationwide as evidence of his government’s commitment to ensuring development reaches different parts of the country.
He said the administration was promoting balanced regional development through investments in road infrastructure, modern markets, affordable housing, healthcare, agriculture and education.
Infrastructure and electricity projects launched
During his tour of Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties, the President launched several infrastructure and electricity projects aimed at improving service delivery and supporting economic activity.
In Elgeyo-Marakwet, Ruto inspected the ongoing construction of the Sh205 million Chepkorio Modern Market, which is expected to accommodate 200 traders.
He also launched the construction of 30 kilometres of roads in Keiyo South Constituency at a cost of Sh1.8 billion.
Additionally, the President flagged off a Sh632 million electricity connectivity project expected to connect 3,169 households in the constituency to the national grid.
In Baringo County, Ruto launched road construction projects valued at Sh4.2 billion, linking Eldama Ravine, Mogotio and Baringo Central constituencies.
He also flagged off a Sh78.9 million electricity project targeting 343 households and officially opened the Eldama Ravine Huduma Centre.
Leaders call for issue-based politics
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who accompanied the President during the tour, cautioned politicians against involving government security officers and public offices in activities intended to facilitate violence.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah urged Kenyans to reject politicians who use tribal divisions to mobilise support.
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said voters would favour leaders capable of presenting clear plans for the country’s future.
Ruto reiterated that his administration would continue implementing its development programme, insisting that he was prepared to be held accountable for the promises made to Kenyans.
