Ruto dismisses opposition, vows easy victory in 2027

President William Ruto addresses residents of Griftu Town ahead of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County. [PCS]

President William Ruto has said opposition leaders have no agenda for the country, expressing confidence that he will secure a decisive victory in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking to residents of Habaswein and Griftu towns in Wajir County, Ruto said he was focused on delivering development while his political rivals were preoccupied with rhetoric.

“I am moving around the country working for Kenyans, while my opponents are busy engaging in empty rhetoric,” said Ruto.

The President said residents of Northern Kenya had suffered marginalisation for many years, adding that his administration had put measures in place to open up the region through infrastructure development.

“I am committed to opening up Northern Kenya through the construction of roads and other infrastructure projects so that residents can enjoy the same opportunities as those in other parts of the country,” he said.

Ruto said that under the affirmative action programme for Northern Kenya, the government would invest Sh8.4 billion to connect more than 53,000 households to electricity.

President William Ruto greets residents of Griftu Town ahead of this year’s Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir County. [PCS]

He said the investment demonstrated the government’s commitment to inclusive development and ensuring that no part of the country is left behind.

The President commissioned the Habaswein Solar PV-BESS-Diesel Hybrid Power Plant, a Sh639 million project expected to provide electricity to more than 8,565 households.

He also inspected the progress of the upgrading of 7.5 kilometres of roads in Habaswein Town, a Sh557 million project that he said would enhance mobility, facilitate trade and improve access to essential services for residents and businesses.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the government had spent Sh4 billion on infrastructure development in preparation for the Madaraka Day national celebrations in Wajir.

The celebrations will be held at the newly constructed 10,000-seat Wajir Stadium.

The PS told journalists in Wajir Town that the President would hold consultations with leaders from the region on the eve of the celebrations.

Omollo said security had been heightened in Wajir Town, with stadium gates scheduled to open at 3 am and close at 7 am ahead of Monday’s ceremony.

“We are out to showcase the best of Northern Kenya, with celebrations beginning at 8 am and expected to conclude by midday to allow time for afternoon prayers by Muslims,” said Omollo.

He added that the Affordable Housing Programme was progressing in the North-Eastern region, with six projects currently under implementation.

At Wajir Stadium, military units and entertainment groups conducted rehearsals on Sunday afternoon in preparation for the celebrations.