Ruto dismisses claims his Mt Kenya tour is politically motivated

The President said that engaging the public on development issues is a constitutional function.

“The Constitution makes it mandatory that, in everything that we do, we must engage the public,” he said.

President Ruto also said the time for politics would come, adding that he and other leaders would don their respective party colours and engage in political campaigns.

The President made the remarks during his development tour of Embu and Tharaka-Nithi counties, accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and Members of Parliament.

The President urged Kenyans to contribute to the realisation of the country’s development agenda.

He affirmed his commitment to fulfilling the promises he made to Kenyans and transforming Kenya for the benefit of all.

He reiterated his dedication to uniting the country and eradicating divisive and retrogressive tribal politics.

“My job is to unite the country and harness the energy for national inclusive development. That is the job you gave me, and I will do it diligently,” he said.

At the same time, President Ruto said the government is building 27,000 housing units for police officers under the Affordable Housing Programme to provide decent homes for the men and women in uniform.

He added that the government is reviewing their terms of service and salaries, with Phase One of the salary increase already rolled out.

He noted that the objective is to boost morale among police officers, enabling them to serve citizens diligently and protect lives and property.

President Ruto said the government has implemented robust measures to ensure universities are no longer subjected to financial difficulties that once pushed some institutions to the brink of bankruptcy.

He said financially stable universities will offer learners the best opportunities to realise their full potential.

“Education is the greatest equaliser,” he added.

The President committed to completing the accident-prone Nithi Bridge before 2027 in a bid to enhance road safety and save lives.

He further said the fight against cartels in the coffee sector would continue so that farmers can benefit fully from the sweat of their labour.

In Mbeere South, Embu County, President Ruto launched the construction of an intake and water treatment plant, and the laying of 26km of pipes at the Kamburu Dam Water Supply Project.

Once complete, the Ksh.789 million project will benefit 88,000 residents with water for domestic use and irrigation that would enhance food production.

The President also opened a tuition complex at Tharaka University and inspected the Ksh.60 million Gatunga Market, which will accommodate more than 200 traders.

In Chogoria town, Maara Constituency, he inspected constriction progress of the Ksh.112 million modern market.

In Chuka, Tharaka-Nithi County, President Ruto handed over 60 housing units at Chuka Police Station, providing officers with decent accommodation.

Later, he inspected the KSh290 million Chuka Modern Market, which will accommodate more than 350 traders.

The President also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the 385-unit Chuka Public Works Affordable Housing Project.

In Runyenjes, he visited the Huduma Digital Centre that is under construction, and launched the building of the Runyenjes Market, which will benefit 850 traders.

In Embu Town, he flagged off a Sh580 million last-mile electricity connectivity project set to connect 6,500 households and also inspected the ongoing construction of the Embu modern market, which will accommodate 3,000 traders.