President William Ruto on Monday, January 19 defended his affordable housing program while addressing leaders from the Kenya Kwanza faction during the ongoing joint cabinet retreat in Naivasha.
The president said those opposing the program are very much aware that it is the right move to make, adding that leaders in the previous regime are beginning to realize that it is possible to implement the affordable housing project.
In what could be seen as slamming his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto noted that the main problem the previous regime has is that it is his government that is implementing the housing programme and not them.
“The other day I heard one of our friends (Uhuru) saying that when he sees things he feels like crying, it is true because they are now wondering that it is actually true that housing was possible, and you wasted time on reggae.”
President Ruto also expressed his confidence in implementing the project despite the controversies and court cases surrounding it.
According to the head of state, the housing programme has worked for other progressive countries and as such it will work for Kenya.
“I do want to say that we will implement the affordable housing programme by whatever means possible,” he stated.
Also Read: Ruto Lectured for Blaming Uhuru All the Time
DP Rigathi Gachagua backs Ruto’s stance
Similarly, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who spoke during the government officials retreat supported Ruto’s stance, encouraging him to continue looking in his rearview mirror.
He stated, “I want to encourage you to continue looking in the rearview mirror. In your leadership, your excellency, you have made it very clear that no Kenyan should be left behind.”
According to the second in command, this approach will help ensure the state delivers on its promises to Kenyans in line with its manifesto.
Gachagua further added that looking back would enable the government to recognize any shortcomings and take measures to stay proactive.
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“Again, there are people who would like to derail your vehicle. Some would like to puncture the rear wheels. while some would like to remove goods from your car.”
“You must look at the rear view so that you are ahead of everybody who may want to derail your progress,” he stated.
Uhuru’s remarks on Ruto’s leadership style
All these sentiments by the head of state and his deputy came after Uhuru Kenyatta who had attended the funeral of the late Kipipiri MP Amos Kimunya’s wife on Saturday, February 17 challenged Ruto to focus on fulfilling his responsibilities to Kenyans and avoid blaming the previous regime.
“These days, I don’t say much. I just sit and watch. Sometimes, I see how things are unfolding, and I just hold my head in disbelief. Then I ask myself, Should I cry. Sometimes I just laugh,” he said.
Using a metaphor of driving a car, Uhuru advised Ruto to look ahead, asserting that effective leaders do not constantly dwell on the past.
“When I was in leadership, I used to tell leaders that focused leaders are the ones who look ahead and not those who always want to revisit the past,” said the former president.
Also Read: Ruto & Uhuru Share Podium Outside the Country
He emphasized, “If you want to lead this country, focus ahead. But if you keep with gossip… You are going nowhere. Leadership is like driving a vehicle. You can’t drive while looking at the rear mirror, or you risk crashing the vehicle.”
Following the current regime’s assumption of power, allies of the government attributed challenges currently faced by Kenyans to the previous regime, highlighting financial difficulties.
They argued that extravagant spending and borrowing by the previous administration compelled Ruto to implement taxing measures to address the economic damage.
