- The head of state said the ‘right’ decisions are now paying off
- Speaking during a service at ACK St. Peter’s Cathedral in Nyeri, the head of state fingered un
Image: PCS
President William Ruto has taken a swipe at leaders who have abandoned their duties for popularity.
Ruto fingered unnamed leaders he said are obsessed with political popularity.
“Many leaders are busy chasing popularity and fame and have forgotten the work they were elected to do. We were elected not to look for popularity” Ruto said.
He spoke during a service at ACK St Peter’s Cathedral in Nyeri county.
In an attack on leaders who have criticised the ‘painful’ decisions by the Kenya Kwanza administration, Ruto said he was not elected to make popular decisions.
“In leadership and in service, we must always make the correct decisions not the popular decisions. We must make the right decisions every time. That is how we are going to take Kenya forward,” he said.
Fight against illicit brews, drug and substance abuse and radical measures to reduce cost of living are some of the 'painful' decisions he says he had to make.
Some leaders threatened Ruto that he risks losing popularity in Mt Kenya over his stand on illicit brew.
"Let me ask you. Do you want me to leave the country flooded with alcoholics because of popularity? No,” he said.
“Those criticising the government for fighting drug and substance abuse and illicit brews are looking for popularity.”
The government war against drugs and illicit brew has seen many business closed.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki are leading the fight.
“We cannot allow the country to be destroyed by drugs and alcohol or debt,” Ruto said.
The head of state said the ‘right’ decisions are now paying off.
“Today, unga, which was almost Sh200 is now about Sh100,” he said.
In 2022, Ruto opposed the push to subsidise unga.
Instead, he opted to subsidise production by supplying subsidised fertiliser to registered farmers.
He cited the strengthening of the Shilling against the dollar and other major world currencies as some of the successes.
Months ago, the Shilling exchanged against the dollar at about Sh160. It has dropped to about Sh127.
The country has also witnessed sharp reduction in pump prices.
“We want to build a solid Kenya. This means we have to say no to drugs and alcoholism.”
“We have to say no to recklessness, corruption, wastage and reckless borrowing. We have to be firm to take the country forward,” he said.
Rigathi praised Ruto for his tough stance against alcohol and drug abuse despite the threats.
“Under your leadership, you have vowed not to allow our children to be killed by illicit brews and drugs. The war is going on well. A few people, who have been selling poison to our children, are complaining. But 98 per cent are happy,” he said.