National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Farouk Kibet and other leaders during the empowerment event in Taita Taveta.
A section of leaders allied to President William Ruto have dismissed mounting criticism over the pace of his administration’s delivery on campaign pledges, urging Kenyans to give the Head of State more time to implement his agenda.
Speaking in Taita Taveta County, the leaders led by the National
Assembly Speaker, RT Hon (Dr.) Moses Wetang’ula, Majority Whip Kimani Ichung’wah
and Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet likened the expectations for rapid results to
“rushing childbirth.”
“Even if you were married today, you cannot go to the delivery room in one or two months and expect a baby,” Wetang’ula said, adding that President Ruto needed “time, prayer and unavering support” from leaders and citizens alike to roll out his plans.
He spoke during a Women Empowerment Meeting hosted by County
MP Lydia Haika on Saturday,
His sentiments were echoed by Majority Leader Kimani
Ichung’wah, who said the government was committed to “people-centred
leadership” and had already made significant strides, including hiring more
teachers than any other administration.
“This financial year alone, we will hire 24,000 additional teachers, bringing the total to 100,000,” Ichung’wah, who is also a Kikuyu legislator, said, calling the move “a hallmark of leadership that prioritises the people.”
President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, stressed the need for peace and cooperation for development projects in Taita Taveta, including access to water, roads, and markets.
"We should partner and work together for the sake of the people. The people want access to water, electricity and markets through the development of roads. That can be achieved through unity, cooperation and empowerment drives," Farouk said.
With the state of the economy dominating political debate, Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala reminded the president’s critics that meaningful change takes time.
“What can he achieve in two years that others have not in
50?” he posed, citing stalled road projects in Western Kenya that have now
resumed.
On his part, Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi claimed
the President was facing resistance for promoting equitable development across
the country.
“Schools, markets, roads, affordable housing, every region
can now say they are benefiting,” he said.
Some leaders took the opportunity to fire salvos at Deputy
President-turned-opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of divisive
politics.
Lafey MP Mohamed Abdikher alleged that when Mr. Gachagua was in office, he told some communities their votes “were too few” to deserve positions.
“After he was impeached, he started calling you cousins. Do
not be fooled,” Abdikher said.
Nevertheless, the speaker urged Kenyans to reject leaders
“settling political scores” and to guard against tribalism.
“We cannot go to foreign countries, speak ill of our nation,
then return pretending to be patriots,” Wetang’ula said.
He added: “Our problems will be solved by us, and our
diversity is our strength.”
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo separately criticised unnamed leaders for “exporting tribalism” abroad, saying Kenyans in the diaspora should instead market the country’s tourism potential.
Host MP Lydia Haika noted progress on land ownership issues
in the county, revealing that two additional land offices had been opened to
reduce long travel times for residents seeking services.
The leaders vowed to intensify grassroots engagement, support social projects, and champion empowerment initiatives for women, youth, and religious institutions.
“We are not here for just one term,” Mr Ichung’wah declared.
“Those saying one term, I dare ask, one term, then what?”
