Ruto Ukambani allies hit back at Uhuru over criticism of government

Mwala MP and UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya at a boda boda empowerment event in Kitui/HANDOUT

Allies of President William Ruto from the Ukambani region have dismissed former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s claims that the Kenya Kwanza administration is eroding progress made during his tenure.

Speaking during the Jubilee Party National Delegates Conference on Friday, Uhuru faulted the Ruto government for pursuing what he termed “untested and untried experiments” that were hurting Kenyans.

But Mwala MP and UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya shot back, accusing the former Head of State of ruining the economy.

“Uhuru Kenyatta should retire honourably and stop lecturing those who are fixing the problems of the country. President William Ruto is working overtime to rebuild Kenya,” Kawaya said during a boda boda empowerment event in Kitui town.

He singled out the Nairobi Expressway, branding it an exploitative project designed to benefit a few individuals at the expense of ordinary citizens.

Kawaya expressed confidence that Ruto was on course for an “undisputed re-election” in 2027, citing bold investments in long-term programmes.

Defending the government’s grassroots empowerment initiatives, he challenged critics to propose viable alternatives rather than engage in constant fault-finding.

Kitui South MP Dr. Rachael Nyamai echoed Kawaya’s sentiments, praising the Affordable Housing Programme as a transformative project that previous regimes had shied away from.

“Some leaders feared pursuing tough national projects like affordable housing, but this government has shown courage. The benefits in terms of dignified living and economic empowerment are immense,” Nyamai said.

Mwala MP and UDA National Organising Secretary Vincent Kawaya and Kitui South MP Dr. Rachael Nyamai at a boda boda empowerment function in Kitui County/HANDOUT

On education, the two leaders urged striking university lecturers to return to the negotiating table to prevent further disruption of learning, appealing to the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU) to prioritise students’ welfare.

They also lauded Ruto’s recent address at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, contrasting it with past delegations.

“President Ruto presented Kenya’s agenda with clarity and statesmanship. He was unlike other leaders who turned such visits into a platform for tribal rhetoric. Ruto showed real leadership on the global stage,” Kawaya said.

The Ukambani leaders insisted that the Kenya Kwanza administration is on the right trajectory and urged critics to give reforms time to bear fruit.