Those opposing Ruto are threatened by his quest to unite Kenya - MP Keynan

Keynan says the era when certain parts of Kenya were given preferential treatment is over

by STEPHEN ASTARIKO

North-eastern26 April 2025 - 17:00

In Summary

Highlighting progress in Northern Kenya, MP Keynan pointed to education and infrastructure as areas where Ruto’s government is making tangible strides.
Keynan praised President Ruto’s efforts to create an inclusive Kenya, saying critics are unsettled.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan has come out strongly against critics of President William Ruto’s administration.

The lawmaker has accused the critics of feeling threatened by the government’s commitment to uniting the country and promoting equal development across all regions.

Speaking on Saturday during a homecoming event for Dela/Anole Ward MCA Yussuf Hussein in Wajir Town, Keynan, who chairs the Northern Kenya Parliamentary Group, said the era when certain parts of Kenya were given preferential treatment at the expense of others is over.

"Those opposing President Ruto are uncomfortable with the idea of equality," Keynan told the residents gathered for the celebration.

"For a long time, some regions have been favoured while others were sidelined. That is no longer the case."

The event marked a significant moment for Yussuf, popularly known as Tolfiyo, who was abducted seven months ago and only recently freed.

His return was met with an outpouring of support from the community.

“We first and foremost thank Allah for bringing back our son safe and sound," Keynan said.

"The six months he was missing brought untold suffering and anguish. Your overwhelming turnout today shows the love and care you have, and we don't take it for granted.”

Turning to national politics, Keynan praised President Ruto’s efforts to create an inclusive Kenya, saying critics are unsettled because they had grown accustomed to benefiting from favouritism and discriminatory policies.

His remarks come amid growing criticism from some religious leaders, politicians, and citizens, who accuse the Ruto administration of corruption, police brutality, wastefulness, and alleged abductions.

Keynan, however, dismissed these claims as dishonest and disconnected from the realities on the ground.

Highlighting progress in Northern Kenya, Keynan pointed to education and infrastructure as areas where Ruto’s government is making tangible strides.

He cited the long-standing teacher shortage in Garissa, Wajir, and Mandera counties, worsened by insecurity and attacks from al-Shabaab militants.

In many schools, particularly in remote areas, the only government-employed teacher is often the headteacher, with communities forced to hire high school graduates to fill the gaps.

However, Keynan said change is underway.

Enrollment in local teacher training colleges (TTCs) has surged after the Ministry of Education lowered entry requirements.

Previously, aspiring teachers needed a C plain with specific subject marks; now, a general C plain suffices.

“In the past two years, we've seen a huge improvement," he noted.

"Wajir alone has close to 200 first-year students in TTCs. Garissa and Mandera are seeing similar trends. This is thanks to the government’s decision to make teacher training more accessible.”

Keynan expressed optimism that once these students graduate, the region will have a homegrown workforce capable of revitalising education standards.

“For years, our region suffered because of the teacher crisis, which had a direct impact on exam results and school performance. Thanks to deliberate government efforts, soon every school, no matter how remote, will have enough teachers,” he said.

On infrastructure, Keynan described road development as the "lifeline" the region desperately needs.

Poor roads have long hindered economic growth, access to healthcare, and transportation, with floods often cutting off entire communities.

"It’s an open secret that our region still lags behind in development," Keynan said.

"Our poor road network has been the biggest obstacle. But we are encouraged that President Ruto is committed to completing stalled road projects in North Eastern Kenya.”

Keynan expressed hope that improved infrastructure would unlock the region’s economic potential and end decades of marginalisation.