Broad-based government leaders defend Ruto's record, attack opposition

Leaders in the broad-based government have said the opposition lacks a clear strategy to improve the lives of Kenyans.

Speaking at separate functions across Nyanza and the Western region, the leaders, including National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, highlighted reforms in the agriculture and health sectors, saying the country is on a steady path to economic freedom.

The leaders toured various parts of the country to rally support for President William Ruto’s re-election as Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also called for political maturity.

Meeting UDA polling centre officials at Kinoru Stadium in Meru, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki outlined what he described as the government’s achievements so far, pointing to reforms in the agricultural sector.

He also criticised the opposition, singling out former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whom he accused of political immaturity.

“Mtaongeza mazao ya kilimo namna gani? Mtaongeza mambo ya matibabu na njia gani? Ni nini mpya mtaleta katika sekta ya manyumba na masoko? That is the adult conversation we want to have,” said the DP.

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga added, “I have looked at all the arithmetic. They have no formula. They have no leadership. Hakuna njia yoyote ambayo watashinda hii timu yetu ya broad based.”

In Matayos, where he was overseeing the last-mile connection project undertaken by REREC, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi touted the gains brought about by connection to the national grid while rallying for unity between the Western and Nyanza blocs.

“Tuungane, tuweke kura zetu about 7 million plus. 7 million plus ziwe katika kikapu kimoja cha mheshimiwa Rais William Ruto. Tukiungana tutakuwa na sauti kubwa zaidi. Tukiungana tutakuwa na nguvu zaidi,” said Wandayi.

Wetangula on his part said, “Tuwe kitu kimoja, tupendane ndio kisiasa Kenya hii tuweze kuonekana, kutambulika na kuheshimiwa.”

Across Vihiga and Bungoma counties, leaders hailed the revival of sugar factories, reaffirming the government’s resolve to stop the smuggling of sugar into the country.

“Hiyo sukari isiingie humu nchini tafadhali muifungie ili upeleke miwa ya Nzoia na wakulima wafaidike,” said Navakhalo MP Emmanuel Wangwe.

President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet added, “Mambo ya kuleta sukari kutoka nje watu ya Magharibi na watu ya Kenya wamekataa. Wangapi wanasema mambo ya sukari isifike Kenya?”

The broad-based government leaders were in Busia, Bungoma, Vihiga, Migori and Meru counties.