Ruto pledges Nairobi revamp amid political turbulence

President William Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi  and Nairobi Governor  Johnson Sakaja  during the JW Marriott Unveils a Mindful Haven with the Opening of JW Marriott Hotel Nairobi along Waiyaki way on 26th March 2024 [David Gichuru,Standard]

President William Ruto is seeking to bring order to Nairobi and has committed to meet all Nairobi leaders to address issues ailing the city and make it worth its name.

The president said that there is an urgent need to revamp Nairobi to fit its capital city status since it reflects the image of the country.

Ruto said that when the time comes, he will sit down with Nairobi leaders to deliberate on the status of the Central Business District (CBD), address the perennial water shortage, clean and light up Nairobi, as well as work on its sewerage system.

The president made the remarks as he dismissed critics who have cast doubt on his ability to deliver and change the country in line with his government’s commitments.

“When I sit down with the leaders, we will talk about the CBD and putting the city in order, we will spend some resources to ensure that we clean up Nairobi, light it up, increase mobility and make sure it reflects the image of Kenya,” the president said after attending the Sunday service at Stewards Revival Pentecostal church in Nairobi.

He urged Kenyans to believe in his promise to progressively change the country, saying he is firmly on course despite detractors’ move to derail him. “I want to tell Kenyans that I will not let you down. We came from a difficult situation and we will change Kenya. I have no doubt in my mind. It will not happen like instant coffee or miraculously, but progressively and will get it done. We want to encourage people we work together,” the president assured.

The President was accompanied by several leaders including Nairobi Governor, Johson Sakaja, MPs Kimani Ichung’wah (Kikuyu), John Kiarie (Dagoretti South), Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), and Mark Nyamita (Uriri).

Ichung’wah urged the President to ignore his political nemesis and focus on his ambitions for the country, undeterred and ‘shake off the snake in Government’.

“Those of us close to the President have seen that he has gone through a lot. He got an economy that was a wreck and just when he is about to settle down and start warming Kenyans, a snake comes and holds his hands and takes him back. You have been called so many names in order to get to the shore safely,” Ichung’wah said.

The MP, who is also the Majority Leader, regretted that recently, the President has not only been derailed by Kenyans but also people in his team.

“I want to tell the President to take heart despite names and abuses... We will deliver this country and it will be safe. Do not be afraid, shake off the snake, that viper on your hand the snake in your government... shake it off not for your own sake but do what you are purposed to do,” said Ichung’wah.

Sakaja said Nairobi leaders are in support of the President’s transformation journey.

The governor reiterated his resolve to clean up the city, including markets, which is also part of decongesting the city, saying that he has discussed issues emanating from Wakulima market with its leaders and reached an agreement. Sakaja insisted that the county has a systematic way of executing its mandate and will not be distracted.

“How is it possible that in the middle of Nairobi town there are lorries offloading farm produce. It is congested, women sell their wares on the roadside courting disaster. Remember in Londiani, women were killed because of an accident on the road,” said Sakaja.

And explained: “When I say we should have order because we have a big market along Kangundo Road, some leaders are derailing me. I want to assure you that I am the Nairobi Governor and we will bring back order in the city. No one will pull us back, no one is going to derail us, we will keep consulting and serving our people. I will work for the people and we are making a lot of progress and strides.”

The remarks come against the backdrop of differing opinion between Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua and Sakaja over relocating traders who operate from Wakulima market.

Last week, Gachagua said that the Government made a commitment that it will never disrupt their lives or undermine economic activities of the traders.

“Our Constitution provides for public participation before any major decisions that have a serious impact on the welfare of our citizens are taken. Kindly, do consider having a sitting with the leadership of the market to agree on whatever changes your Government desires without adversely affecting their livelihoods. These traders gave you their trust and vote and it is only fair you give them an ear,” Gachagua said.