Teargas and chaos mark President Ruto’s Dagoretti tour as youth block his convoy

At the rally, the Head of State insisted there would be no turning back on the UDA-ODM pre-election pact, brushing aside opposition from the Linda Mwananchi faction. He also criticised the United Opposition, accusing it of fuelling ethnic divisions for political expediency.

Moments after a section of youth attending President Ruto’s rally partially blocked the path of his motorcade, the procession briefly stalled.

As the presidential convoy made multiple stops across Dagoretti South and North, it struggled to maintain momentum, at times prompting the Head of State to signal for the motorcade to move on.

The President’s security detail was visibly strained, pushing back surging crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the motorcade.

The Head of State inspected development projects at Mutuini Hospital in Dagoretti South, commissioned a new workshop block at PC Kinyanjui TTI, toured ongoing works at Riruta Modern Market, and inaugurated a tuition block at Kawangware Primary School in Dagoretti North.

He also announced that the construction of a new international airport signals the beginning of Kenya’s “Singapore dream.”

"Tumetangaza leo kwamba ujenzi wa uwanja mpya wa ndege unaanza kabla ya mwezi wa sita," Ruto stated.

President Ruto stood firm behind the UDA-ODM pre-election talks despite opposition from ODM’s Linda Mwananchi faction.

"Sisi tutaendelea kuwa pamoja kwenye broad-based ili tulete Wakenya pamoja, hao wengine hawana sera, ni siasa za chuki na ukabila," the President added.

Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi backed the cooperation, stating; "Na sisi tukiwa ODM tumesema kwamba tutaendelea kushirikiana na rais."

"Sisi tutaendelea kukuunga mkono rais maana unasema na kutenda," Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie noted.

"Na sisi kama ODM kupitia Parliamentary Group tumepitisha kwamba tutazungumza na UDA ili tuendeleze ushirikiano," Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang noted.

"Wakenya wanataka umoja na ustawi na sisi tutaendelea kuleta Wakenya pamoja," Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor highlighted. 

The Head of State and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja defended the cooperation agreement between the national and county governments, saying it will enhance service delivery for city residents.

"Tumetoa Ksh.80 billion kwa kaunti ya Nairobi ili tumalize shida za takataka, ukosefu wa maji safi na kadhalika," Ruto pointed out. 

"Maelewano kati ya kaunti na serikali kuu yanalenga kuboresha utoaji wa huduma muhimu kwa wakazi wa Nairobi," Sakaja remarked.