Ruto: Time to put our differences aside

President William Ruto has urged Azimio leaders to support his government to make life easy for Kenyans.

The Head of State said it is time they put their political differences aside and serve Kenyans.
Speaking at Nyanturago Stadium, Nyaribari Chache constituency in Kisii during interdenominational prayers yesterday, the President told county leaders to work with the National government to fulfil pledges they made to the electorate.

“I urge the Opposition do their work as enshrined in the Constitution. It should oversight the government to improve service delivery,” Ruto said.

The President, hosted by area MP Zaheer Jhanda, also challenged youths not to be used by Opposition leaders to fight and destroy property under the guise of protests.
He said there is nowhere in the Constitution where violence can be used to achieve development, terming it unpatriotic and sabotage.

Head of State further urged members of the Gusii community to embrace the housing project to ease pressure on land and spare it for food production, schools and hospitals.
He said 4,000 housing units will be constructed in the county. “The housing project will create jobs for 20,000 youths, reduce land fragmentation and mushrooming of slums in urban areas,” Ruto said.

President Ruto was accompanied by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah, Chief Whip Silvanus Osoro and other leaders including MPs Alfah Miruka (Bomachoge Chache), Dorice Donya (Kisii), Jerusha Momanyi (Nyamira), Charles Onchoke (Bonchari), Bob Wandetu (Tetu),
Senator, Richard Onyonka (Kisii), Governor Simba Arati and Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu.

He said the government has stopped construction of Suneka airstrip due to poor terrain and urged the leaders for an airport to be constructed in Nyangusu.

Head of State also said the proposed area to construct an airport in Nyamira was rejected by experts after they found it unsuitable.

Stalled projects

Ruto promised that the government will complete stalled road projects before starting new ones nationally.

He said the government had set aside Sh265 billion to construct roads, stressing, it will be reckless for the government to start new roads amid stalled ones.
Ruto said the government will jointly, with counties, fund aggregation and industrial parks nationally to enhance value addition to boost farmers’ incomes.

“National and county governments will each contribute Sh250 million to construct the parks,” Ruto said.
Arati said he will work with Ruto’s government to hasten development in the county and appealed to the President to support the county equip mother and child hospital.

“I also urge the government to actualise Kenya JK Alliance (Kukha) project to benefit several universities” Arati said.

Weighing in on the ongoing peace talks, Arati said Azimio leaders do not want power sharing in the bipartisan talks. “You defeated us in the election and are a President because of your firm stand after you left us in ODM,” Arati said. The Kisii county boss instead noted that Azimio coalition had agreed to work with the government to foster development.

Arati said they will not allow youths to burn roads or destroy property during protest.
He urged security officers shun shooting and killing protesters but instead use tear gas to disperse them.