President William Ruto has responded to the viral video doing rounds on social media showing him talking about his plans to improve road networks in the Northeastern Region.
While speaking at an event where he was overseeing the signing of a contract for better electricity access via a mini-grid and Solar, President Ruto said developing infrastructure in Northern Kenya is also as important as in other regions.
He emphasized that the Isiolo-Modogashe Road was not a joke and assured that his government was committed to completing it.
“Last week or the week before, I was in northern Kenya and I did announce a major road artery that will be constructed from Isiolo through Wajir, all the way to Mandera and many people assume or think it is a joke.
In this country, we sometimes take matters of life and death as if it is a joke. I am committed to delivering on that 750 km of road, from Isiolo to Mandera because for a very long time, we have left Northern Kenyan behind,” said President Ruto.
Ruto Hits Back at Critics Doubting Northeastern Region Road Projects
Further, the President reiterated that no region will be left behind in terms of development.
“It is a deliberate statement by the government of Kenya through this Administration that no part of Kenya will be left behind,” Ruto reiterated.
Moreover, President Ruto explained that he is developing a transport corridor to Mandera to establish a second transport corridor for the country.
“We did develop a transport corridor that connected Mombasa to Malaba and that is why our development has concentrated on that transport corridor. It is time that we have a second transport corridor that goes all the way to Mandera,” the head of state explained.
Ruto’s remarks follow a week of online troll from Kenyans across various social media platforms. The backlash intensified after his speech in the Northeastern region, where he detailed plans to enhance the road network and drive socio-economic growth in the area.
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Addressing residents from the roof of his vehicle under Isiolo’s scorching sun, Ruto assured them that the roads would be extensive, linking the entire region. While his speech highlighted his understanding of the area’s infrastructure challenges, it also triggered widespread ridicule online.
“Ndio barabara itoke Mandera, ikuje Ramu, ikuje Garre, ikuje El-Wak, ikuje Kobo, ikuje pale Kotulo, ikuje Tarbat, ipitie hapa Wajir, iende Samatan, iteremke Modogashe, ifike Isiolo, iende Nairobi,” President Ruto said.
Kindiki Dismisses the Head of State’s Critics
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also weighed in on the ongoing debate regarding President Ruto’s pledge to enhance road networks in the Northeastern region.
Addressing the issue on Tuesday February 18, Kindiki dismissed President Ruto’s critics, pointing out that many social media users were unaware that construction was already underway.
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He further noted that contractors were actively working on different sections of the large-scale project.
“I recently accompanied the President to Northern Kenya. I noticed many people mocking his remarks about the road, but I was actually pleased because they lack the information I have,” he stated
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