Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has stated that President William Ruto’s promise of uplifting the common wananchi through the bottom-up economic agenda is being fulfilled through the president associating with the common wananchi.

Speaking in Nairobi on Friday, September 19, 2025, the governor lauded Ruto for mingling with people of little means.

“When you sit with common people, especially those from the grassroots, it means you have achieved the goal of a bottom-up agenda,” she stated.

Bottom up agenda

Wanga’s remarks echo Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale’s sentiments that Kenyans recognise and can see the impact Ruto has had since taking office in 2022.

The ODM chairperson, who has been a proponent of the broad-based government, shielded Ruto from blame over his open hands policy as far as access to the State House is concerned.

She opined that through the approach, Kenyans were increasingly feeling part and parcel of the country’s government while hitting out at the critics of the move.

“I have heard people claiming that people of low means should have unfettered access to the state house. We thank you, Your Excellency, for opening the doors of State House and declaring it a house for all Kenyans. They can now enter and feel like Kenyans too, she stated.

Her remarks come after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura defended the increasing visits to State House.

Speaking on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Mwaura insisted that the visits reflected the will of ordinary Kenyans who brought the current administration to power.

“For those saying that State House has lost its glory for hosting many hustlers, they forget that this government wasn’t formed through boardroom deals of the who’s who, but by the Mama Mbogas, boda boda riders and small traders in the marketplaces and through the many roadsides and townhalls in those small places across the country,” Mwaura posted on X.

Defending inclusivity

Mwaura maintained that State House is not reserved for a select few but stands as an open door for the people who played a central role in shaping the outcome of the last election. He said this inclusivity should be celebrated rather than criticised, as it redefines leadership as people-centred.

According to him, the decision to allow various groups to visit the State House is tied to the government’s commitment to remain accessible and grounded in the realities of ordinary citizens.