'These are people with no vision, no plan, no agenda!' President Ruto slams critics

President William Ruto has warned Kenyans of politicians who are driven by anger, hatred, and tribalism, saying they were dangerous to the country.

The President said he would not allow them to derail the government's development agenda with their plans of keeping the country on constant politicking.

He said the government is focused on building bridges of unity and working with leaders across the political divide to deliver the transformation Kenyans deserve.

“We have agreed with the opposition to end politics of division and focus on the unity and development of our country,” he said.

The President made the remarks on Thursday during a development tour of Kisumu and Homa Bay counties in the company of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Governors Anyang' Nyong'o (Kisumu) and Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Cabinet Secretaries and MPs.

He pointed out that his critics have resorted to perpetual politicking, name-calling, and sloganeering because they have nothing to offer Kenyans.

“These are people who have no vision, no plan, no agenda. But we will ignore them and move this country forward,” he said.

Telling off those opposed to the Affordable Housing Programme, President Ruto termed the projects transformative and aimed at enabling Kenyans, especially low-income earners, to move from paying rent to owning homes.

Additionally, the President said the programme is creating tens of thousands of jobs in the construction sector and boosting trade and manufacturing.

He stated that the government is keen on transforming the economy of the Nyanza region through targeted programmes and projects.

He cited reforms in the sugarcane sector, including implementing a leasing programme for sugar companies to make them profitable and ensure farmers and workers are paid on time.

“At the end of this year, we will issue bonuses to sugarcane farmers in this region,” he added.

Saying the government is also investing in the blue economy to unlock Nyanza's economic potential, President Ruto cited a Ksh.1.5 billion programme in fish landing sites and value addition.

“We want to use Lake Victoria to grow the economy of this region, to ensure youth get jobs and produce enough fish to eradicate hunger and enable our farmers and traders to do business,” he said.

The President also announced that the Standard Gauge Railway, which terminates near Naivasha, will now be extended to Malaba through Kisumu.

On his part, Mr Odinga said the Affordable Housing Programme is a critical infrastructure project that will help the country address not only the housing challenge, but also job creation for young people.

“It is a good development programme. We all know that housing is a basic human right,” he said.

The former Prime Minister said the opposition decided to work with the government to create a conducive environment for the benefit of all Kenyans.

At the Kirembe Grounds in Kisumu, President Ruto broke ground for the construction of the LV Marina Housing Project.

He also addressed the people and traders of Kisumu City, and commended them for rallying behind the government in an effort to take Kenya forward.

Later, President Ruto laid the foundation stone for Makasembo Estate Phase III and commissioned the Makasembo Estate Phase I Project.

He commended Local Authorities Provident Fund for building the more than 2,300 housing units at Makasembo that will make thousands of people in Kisumu into homeowners.

The President also inspected the construction of the Lumumba Estate Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu Central, which was launched last August.

He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the 2,384 housing units' project.

At the same time, President Ruto launched the construction of the 40km Marindi-Oria Bridge in Ndhiwa Constituency, Homa Bay County.

At Kanyamwa, the President also launched the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project that will provide power to the more than 25,000 households.

He also commissioned Ndhiwa Technical Training Institute.