You'll not be left out of agenda on development, Ruto tells Nyanza

President William Ruto during the ground breaking of Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Centre, Nyando, Kisumu County. [Collins Oduor, Standard] President William Ruto yesterday delivered a strong pitch on national unity to promote development, downplaying the divisions that has ripped the government and the opposition in recent weeks. This came as the president rallied ODM leader Raila Odinga's Nyanza backyard to support his administration as he unveiled a number of projects at the start of his five-day visit in the region. Messages on the need to embrace togetherness for the sake of development dominated speeches with the president vowing to serve all Kenyans equally regardless of their voting patterns. Without mentioning names, the president dismissed claims that his government will only benefit those who voted for it. He described the claims as naive and primitive, vowing to serve all regions equally irrespective of their political stands. "No section of Kenya will be left behind because of political affiliations or party affiliations. We are here to work together for the betterment of every Kenyan," said Ruto. "It is primitive and backward for anybody to imagine that any region of Kenya cannot get development on account of how they voted." And in a bid to convince Nyanza that he means well for them, the president unveiled a number of projects in the region and promised to follow up on other projects to give it a strong economic footing. While addressing residents in Siaya and Kisumu counties, the president addressed almost all the issues bedeviling the region and claimed his administration is pursuing all the economic concerns of the region. "I want to assure you the people of Nyanza that you are not in government. We want to ensure that no part of Kenya is left behind in development because of politics," said Ruto. In a rare show of unity, Raila's closest allies from the region accompanied the president and also pushed for a close working relationship with the government to deliver election promises. Governors James Orengo (Siaya) and Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu) rallied for unity for the sake of development, with a political caveat that the working relationship is entrenched in the Constitution. In his speech, Ruto acknowledged the historical political rivalry between himself and Raila but stressed that it was time to put aside political differences and focus on the common goal of improving the lives of the people of Siaya. "We may have had our differences in the past, but today, we stand united for the people," President Ruto declared. Orengo echoed President Ruto's sentiments, emphasising the need for collaboration in order to realize the full potential of Siaya County. He praised the efforts of President Ruto's government in investing in critical infrastructure, including healthcare, and expressed his commitment to working with the government to bring more development projects to the region. "I hope the president is coming here not to weaponize development. It is stipulated in the constitution that the president must work with every county government," said Orengo. President William Ruto addresses resident of Kabonyo Kanyagwal in Kisumu county as he begins his four day tour of Nyanza region. [Collins Oduor, Standard] In Kisumu, the president did a groundbreaking for the construction of a Sh1 billion fisheries and research center at Kabonyo. Aquaculture center The centre will facilitate training, research, innovation, and best practices in Fisheries and Aquaculture through demonstrations and incubations. Other components of the project, he said include a Nile Perch multiplication centre, an aquaculture resource centre, and the Kenya Fishing School. In Siaya, the president launched the construction of Sh214 million Urenga Level Four Hospital. "This hospital will improve the healthcare infrastructure in Siaya and ensure that our people have access to quality medical services. Education and healthcare are fundamental pillars of development, and we are committed to enhancing them," President Ruto stated. With unwavering optimism, Ruto spoke about the success of these projects, foreseeing a bright future for the region's economy. He pledged an additional Sh100 million to upgrade the Urenga facility to a level 4 hospital, emphasising the importance of accessible healthcare to the people of Siaya. The president's allies also expressed their commitment to continue working with him for development. They challenged all Kenyans to join their train. ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo praised the president for his stand to transform the lives of Kenyans and the Nyanza region. He claimed the president has given the region a sense of belonging. "You have given us a sense of belonging in your government. We owe you a sense of gratitude," said Owalo. Rice mill But the President's commitment did not stop there. He announced that the Siaya County government would receive Sh30 million for the construction of a rice mill, a move aimed at boosting agricultural production and creating job opportunities. Despite the political tensions surrounding his visit to Nyanza, President Ruto remained resolute in his commitment to serving all Kenyans. He firmly believed that politics should not hinder the progress of the nation, and his actions spoke volumes. As the President concluded his address in Siaya, he left the crowd with a powerful message: "We are one nation, one people, and one Kenya. Let us work together to build a prosperous future for all. Together, we can achieve greatness." It remained to be seen whether this visit would indeed set a precedent for cooperation and development, or whether the shadow of politics would continue to cast a pall over the endeavours. "My doors are open to work with all leaders. Our leaders must be deliberate to work together," said Ruto. "The president has led from the front. The conversation around politics is changing. We are looking at each other as brothers and sisters and not on tribal lenses," said Majority Leader in the National Assembly Kimani Ichungwah. Ichungwah said Kenya Kwanza will work with county governments and all leaders to deliver on the development front. Ugenya MP David Ochieng described the president as a transformative leader and vowed to continue backing his administration. [Washington Onyango, Olivia Odhiambo and Sharon Owino]

You'll not be left out of agenda on development, Ruto tells Nyanza

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