King of Promises as Ruto pledges Ksh.630M in one year

Two years into office, the Kenya Kwanza administration has run into headwinds with his critics accusing him of backtracking on the majority of the promises made during the campaign season. 

In the past year alone, the president has pledged over Ksh.630 million during his tour across the country; signalling a return to the 2022 campaign season when he splashed funds across the nation to woo the public. 

Known for his political shrewdness, the president is on the spotlight to honour his promises to silence the critics who argue that he rose to power on a culture of lies. 

Further, it is not clear whether the president is yet to make good on his word by honouring the donations. 

Ksh.50 million to give the Salvation Army church on March 3, 2024

In March 2024, the head of state promised to give the Salvation Army Church Ksh.50 million to complete pending projects. 

“Because I understand what they are coming to ask me I have already agreed to give 50 million shillings to support the work they are doing,” he said while attending the church's 100-year celebrations at Ulinzi Stadium. 

Ksh.30 million for the construction of hotels at KMTC in Tharaka Nithi on July 25, 2024

Four months later, President Ruto pledged another Ksh.30 million while commissioning the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) Marimanti Campus in Tharaka Nithi County. 

He noted that the funds would assist in constructing hostels at the campus, emphasising that the government is committed to train healthcare workers to support the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) agenda. 

Ksh.500 million for the first university in Nyamira on August 12, 2024

During a tour in Gusii region,, President Ruto announced the establishment of the first university within Nyamira county, pledging Ksh.500 million for its construction. 

Majorly seen as a political move to appease the region ahead of 2027, the president urged the residents to support their leaders to enhance development. 

"(Area MP Joash) Nyamoko has revealed a secret here. We were waiting for the due process. But because Nyamoko has revealed the secret here, I have no option. Before the end of this year, I will come to inspect the university’s progress,” Ruto noted. 

Ksh.50 million to help build resources at Tangaza University on November 15, 2024

While attending Tangaza University's inaugural graduation, the president promised Ksh.50 million to construct a resource centre, a pledge that received applause from the crowd. 

The pledge came months after the president had awarded the institution a charter in May 2024 whereby he noted that the university would meet the growing demand for higher education and focus on elevating the common mwananchi. 

"I was earlier informed by one of the students that this great institution is working on a resource centre. They requested me to see what I could do by way of support. I have discussed this with the Ministry of Education and the government will support that resource centre with Ksh.50 million," Ruto noted. 

Catholic's Ksh.5 million pledge

Two days later, the head of state pledged a Ksh.5 million donation for the construction of the Parish Priest's house, accompanied with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's Ksh.200,000 contribution. 

The pledge was met with heavy criticism from the public and the clergy who declined the donation; citing ethical considerations. 

According to Philip Anyolo, Nairobi Metropolitan Archbishop, the donation violated the Public Fundraising Appeals Bill 2024. He noted that the funds would be refunded to the two leaders. 

“The Church is called to uphold integrity by refusing contributions that may inadvertently compromise its independence or facilitate unjust enrichment. Political leaders are urged to demonstrate ethical leadership by addressing the pressing issues raised by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops,” he stated. 

Recently, the Clergy opened pandora's box after calling out Ruto's regime for a culture of lies and failing to live up to the promises made to Kenyans. 

"We believe that genuine consultation of all concerned stakeholders in all these matters, is necessary, beyond the casual public participation. This culture of lies, unkept promises and misplaced priorities is unacceptable and needs to be dealt with," the clergy noted. 

Not to be perturbed, the president retaliated at the clergy, urging them to stick to the facts when engaging in public discourse. 

"Even as we engage in public discourse on matters that are important to the people of Kenya, we must be careful to be factual lest we become victims of the things we accuse others of doing," he stated.