- President William Ruto told reporters that he does not need permission or any reason to visit any part of Kenya, reminding them that he is the Head of State
- He dismissed allegations that his three-day visit to Kitui, Machakos and Makueni Counties was political, saying he was there to tell the people about ongoing developments
- Ruto said Ukambani is part of Kenya and mentioned his long history of working with the area since the 1990s.
- In addition, he said he works on behalf of the people and therefore he must go around the country to explain the steps taken
President William Ruto he has reminded his friends and critics that he does not need any permission to visit any part of Kenya.
Source: UGC
He made the statement firmly during an interview with Ukambani news stations, telling the journalist to remember his position as Head of State.
The talks took place while Ruto continued his three-day working visit focusing on infrastructure, health services, housing projects, community activities and water programs in Kitui, Machakos and Makueni Counties.
Ruto’s visit to Ukambani, which is often considered the Wiper leader’s political stronghold, Kalonzo Musyokahas been criticized by some as a covert campaign.
How did Ruto respond to allegations that his visit is political?
During the interview, he was asked if the visit was developmental or political.
The question also echoed earlier claims that Ruto did not want to visit the area and called off the visit due to national mourning following the death of Raila Odinga.
Ruto replied with a laugh before speaking emphatically.
First, he asked the reporter if those questioning his visit are aware that he is the President of Kenya.
He then added that Ukambani is part of Kenya, so his presence should not raise questions.
He said: “Do you first understand that I am the President of Kenya? Then you follow me and ask me… And here in Ukambani, isn’t it Kenya? So I am here because I am the leader by the will of God, the leader of our nation Kenya, and Kitui and Ukambani are part of our nation.”
How did Ruto defend the purpose of his visit?
Ruto emphasized that he has had a long relationship with the area since his days as Member of Parliament for Eldoret North in the 1990s.
He recalled his visits when he was a member of parliament, then a minister in the coalition government. He said that he works for the people and must go around to report the progress.
In addition, he said he has promises he made to the Ukambani community since the 2022 campaign, so the visit was to give them feedback on the steps taken.
He said: “I am an employee of the people. And if you are employed by the people, you should visit them regularly to tell them when the work is due. And there are things we discussed with the people of Ukambani, and I have come here to tell them where their government has reached and their issues.”
Ruto visited Ukambani with the Deputy President Kithur Kindiki along with several ministers, inspecting the construction of roads, electricity expansion, residential houses and other important projects.
Source: UGC
Why did Ruto scold Makueni MCA?
Earlier, Ruto publicly criticized the Makueni MCA who gave him instructions during his visit.
The MCA reminded him about the promises of 2021, including the construction of the Mooni bridge and the issuance of patents in Nguu ward.
Ruto instructed the Ministers of Lands and Roads to speed up the implementation of the projects, then said with a smile: “But you MCA… you are coming to give me orders in public. Don’t you know I am the President of Kenya?”
He said the event is part of his “bottom-up” philosophy, where the voices of the grassroots have inspiration for the leadership.
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