Ruto does not have money to finish stalled projects, Mbadi says

According to CS Mbadi, President Ruto does not have money even to do development, and that is why he would help him look for funds. [File, Standard] 

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has vowed to help President William Ruto get funds to restart all the roads that have stalled across the country.

Mbadi said he will ensure that all the pending bills of Sh166 billion for roads are cleared and contractors paid so that work can continue. 

Speaking at Kanyasa ward in Nyatike Constituency where he was hosted by Nyatike MP Tom Odege during a meeting with local Boda-boda stakeholders who presented their views on state of the economy, the CS rallied Nyanza region to stand with President Ruto saying he would support him come 2027 if Raila does not vie.

"What can make me make a U-turn is when Raila vies for presidency. If Raila does not vie, I will not have any doubt but vote for Ruto," Mbadi said.

The CS stressed the need for Nyanza region to ensure that Raila and Ruto stay together. 

"We must choose our friends," Mbadi said. 

Mbadi highlighted the issue of funding as the main challenge that faced road projects in parts of the country.

"The issue of roads is very important and critical. When you move across the country, all road projects have stalled," CS Mbadi said.

"Contracts are awarded but there is no funding," the CS remarked.

He highlighted that he would do everything possible to ensure that he fulfills his CS roles in helping the president get money to do development. 

Mbadi pointed out that the major focus was to complete development projects which have stalled.

"I am going to make sure that I help the president get resources to restart all the roads across the country and pay all the pending bills of Sh166 billion for road," Mbadi highlighted.

According to the CS, Ruto does not have money even to do development, and that is why he would help him look for funds. 

Mbadi reminded the people that in 2007, people from Rift Valley gave Raila their votes and even got angry when his victory was overturned and fought, saying that showed that Nyanza can be friends with them.

Additionally, he said Nyanza should be ready so that when President Ruto gets out of the presidency in 2032, they also be at the table. 

He said Luo is not a nation that sits behind the house when things are being done in the kitchen. 

Mbadi also cautioned the public transport operators to be disciplined and have order.

"We want discipline in the public transport," the CS remarked, saying the sector was struggling to get insurance because of the indiscipline in the public transport.

Mbadi said he would liase with his colleagues especially in interior and transport so that they can see how they can bring order in public transport the way Michuki left it.