Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu has criticised President William Ruto for promising to turn Kenya into a Singapore while basic problems remain unresolved.

Speaking during a morning television interview on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Nyutu said the promise was immoral and likened it to a mother promising a child a good school while the child goes to class in tattered clothes and without breakfast.

“It is immoral and takes people for granted when you promise them Singapore and you have so many things you have not done at home,” Nyutu said.

“I would laugh at a mother telling her child, ‘Next term I will take you to a better school,’ yet the child is going to school in a tattered uniform and has not had breakfast. Only a sick person would believe that the mother is serious. That is exactly what President Ruto is doing.”

Nyutu also defended the opposition’s record, responding to claims that it lacks development plans. He said the opposition cannot be judged fairly while it does not control public resources.

“How do we do development when we do not control the public purse? President Ruto must stop thinking Kenyans do not think,” he said.

The senator urged the president to focus on corruption as a key step to achieving development. He questioned Ruto’s wealth, pointing out large cash donations and contributions without clear evidence of income.

“Where does he get this money? If it is from his businesses, were these businesses making that kind of money before he became president? We need to see cheques from personal accounts, not cash,” Nyutu said.

Focus on development, not politics

Nyutu also touched on the ongoing debate over the division of Mount Kenya into East and West. He dismissed claims of a clear political split, saying the narrative is driven by personal interests rather than the people.

“There is no Mount Kenya East and West. Those talking about it are motivated by personal gain,” he said. He added that the region should focus on tangible development rather than politics.

Separately, Nyutu raised concerns over excessive travel by county assembly members, which he said often wastes public funds. He suggested giving county assemblies financial autonomy so they can carry out primary oversight without depending on the county executive.

“Only by giving county assemblies financial autonomy can they operate independently. That is when we can curb waste in foreign and domestic travel,” he said.

Nyutu acknowledged the value of travel for social interaction and learning but criticised trips that deliver no tangible benefits. He said technology allows legislators to access information without travelling abroad, making unnecessary trips wasteful.