Ruto heaps praise on Governor Wavinya Ndeti for defying Raila, Kalonzo
By Wycliffe Nyamasege, April 16, 2023
President William Ruto on Sunday, April 16, lauded Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti for defying calls for anti-government protests to work with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Ndeti, who was elected on a Wiper party ticket in last year’s polls, has in recent months warmed up to the Kenya Kwanza administration, despite criticism from her party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition chiefs including Raila Odinga.
On Sunday, the county boss hosted the Kenya Kwanza brigade at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos for an interdenominational prayer service, where she vowed to work with President Ruto to better the lives of residents.
Ndeti said she was not interested in demonstrations called by Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition, insisting that she was interested in development.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, President Ruto hailed Wavinya as a brave leader.
“I want to thank Wavinya Ndeti. She is a brave and great leader. It takes a great leader to know the people’s interests. We must come together and work together,” Ruto praised Governor Ndeti.
On Friday, Ndeti and her deputy Francis Mwangangi hosted President Ruto in Athir River for the commissioning of the Mavoko Water and Sewerage Company (MAVWASCO) infrastructure project.
Ruto said the Ksh2.7 billion water project is set to benefit 500,000 residents of Mavoko Township, Athi River, Mlolongo, and Syokimau.
Ndeti defended her alliance with the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying the relationship was informed purely by the need to serve her electorate.
“I was elected by the residents of Machakos to promote development for social and economic transformation of the people and I must work with the national government to secure these benefits,” the governor said at White House office grounds where she hosted the local Muslim fraternity for Iftar feast on Friday evening.
“If I had failed to attend the Presidents event in Athi River, I wouldn’t have secured additional funding for projects in excess of Ksh.1 billion that President Ruto committed to fund.”