MERU, Kenya -As the clock ticks towards marking the first anniversary of the Gen Z uprising on Wednesday, June 25th, and the heightened political tensions in parts of the country, President William Ruto has told off his critics, saying that he is firmly sitting on the saddle, busy fulfilling the development pledges he made to Kenyans.
Pointing out that they should be judged by their performance, Dr Ruto said that his administration is tirelessly implementing this through the Bottoms Up Economic Transfomative Agenda (BETA), irrespective of citizens’ political inclination and ethnic background.
He reiterated that these projects include road infrastructure, health, education, agriculture, and climate change, among others.
Speaking when he presided over the 10th Annual Dairy Farmers Field Day at the Meru ASK Showground yesterday, Ruto added that they are consistently sensitising Kenyans on the laid-out national roadmap on peace and national cohesion.
He stressed that they will not steer away from maendeleo (development issues) to demonstrate in the streets (Eti tuwache kazi hii tunafanya tukimbie barabarani… hapana).
Citing his vast political experience Dr Ruto warned that: “Mimi siwezi tishwa na mtu yeyote. Eti kutishwa na makelele? Hapana watafute mtu mwingine ( I can’t be threatened by anyone…by those making loud noises. No, let them try someone else).”
His remarks follow increased stinging criticisms from the opposition stalwarts, the Law Society of Kenya, human rights bodies, and the clergy on the state of the nation.
Leading the onslaught against Ruto are the immediate former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Party leaders; Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Martha Karua (People’s Liberation Party, Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-K), and the former Interior Minister Fred Matiangi.
According to the opposition chiefs, Ruto’s regime has failed to adequately address the plight of mama mboga, wanton corruption and ballooning local and foreign debts.
Recently, major demonstrations rocked Nairobi streets following the death of social media influencer and teacher Albert Ojwang while in police custody.
It was marked with running battles between anti-government protesters, ‘hired goons’, and the police trying to quell the rioters.
This led to lobbing of teargas canisters, projectiles, burned cars, vandalism, and loss of properties worth hundreds of millions.
‘Peaceful Demonstrations’
Furthermore, Gen Z and some civic bodies have informed the authorities that they will march peacefully in remembrance of their lost loved ones during the protests against the finance bill and cost of living in 2024.
Some of their fallen heroes they have mentioned include Denzel and Rex Masai among others.
Relatedly, two poster images have been widely circulated on social media platforms showing thousands of people ‘Occupying State House’ and the day’s event’s schedule indicates that the organisers intend ‘to swear in a Transition Council.’
Consequently, security is being beefed up across the country, with Nairobi earmarked as the epicentre of the commemoration.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Douglas Kanja has assured that they have crafted an elaborate plan which will safeguard both the protesters and the business community.
“We will deploy enough police officers in Nairobi Central Business District and vital places, and create roadblocks. We urge the demonstrators to uphold peace. We are ready whether it will be peaceful or turn violent,” he said on Thursday.
IG Kanja, however, strongly warned that they will not hesitate to apprehend criminals with ill motives.
Agricultural Reforms
Dr Ruto noted that farmers across the country have begun to experience high production and earnings due to the agricultural sector reforms.
He said that dairy farmers are now earning Sh50 up from Sh35 a litre, thus posting an increased milk value from Sh40 billion to Sh59 billion.
“We are rolling out a nationwide vaccination drive, exempting yellow maize from taxes to cut the cost of animal feed and expanding access to milk coolers to minimise post-harvest losses.”
Agendaless Critics
Shrugging off his opponents as full of empty talk and propaganda, President Ruto said that they lack tangible agendas for the youth, women and children.
“Hao watu hawana agenda. Wasituletee porojo na propaganda. Wakiulizwa mpango ya wakulima ama watoto ni gani..wanaimba ooooh Kasongo mara Ruto must go.”
He, however, said that his doors are open to work with any leader for the betterment of the nation.
“We will meet and whitewash them in the forthcoming 2027 general elections,” he confidently remarked when he stopped to address the Meru residents by the roadside.
