The opposition will not succeed in dragging the government to the politics of hatred, division, and tribalism, President William Ruto has said.
The President said he is focused on implementing programmes and projects that will transform the lives of Kenyans, and he will not change course.
He urged his critics to provide an alternative development plan, noting that it is unwise to rely on outdated and regressive political practices.
But the President took comfort in the fact that Kenyans are intelligent and capable of distinguishing development-oriented leaders from those who promote hate, division, and tribalism.
“Kenyans want to know what your plan is. Must Go is not enough. Must Go is not an agenda,” he said.
The President made the remarks during the second day of his development tour of Migori County. He was accompanied by Migori County Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Cabinet Secretaries and MPs.
President Ruto said he had teamed up with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to eradicate the politics of hatred, tribalism, and division.
“We did not join forces for personal interest, but to push forward our development agenda,” he said.
The President noted that this is not the time for politics but for serving the people.
On sugar farming, President Ruto said the government is commercialising sugar companies to ensure they are run efficiently.
He explained that this measure will ensure that farmers and employees are paid on time, and growers will also receive bonuses.
“We will put in place at Sony a management style that has succeeded at Mumias Sugar Company. It pays farmers and workers on time,” he said.
The President noted that the government is keen on reforming other key areas of the agricultural sector to ensure farming becomes more profitable.
He pointed out that the affordable fertiliser programme, which reduced the cost of fertiliser, has led to increased agricultural productivity and output.
On education, he said the government is implementing bold reforms to guarantee every child, regardless of background, an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
President Ruto cited the recruitment of 76,000 teachers, with an additional 20,000 planned for later this year, and the rollout of a new university funding model to support needy students.
On employment, the President pointed out that the government is investing in labour-intensive programmes such as modern markets and affordable housing to create jobs for the youth.
Additionally, the government is establishing digital hubs and securing jobs abroad.
On infrastructure, the President said the government has allocated sufficient resources to complete 18 roads that had stalled in Migori County.
He also stated that the government is making strategic investments to unlock the potential of Lake Victoria, which has significant resources to create jobs, boost food production, and stimulate the region’s economy.
In Rongo, President Ruto inspected the construction of the Riosir Market, which will accommodate more than 300 traders.
He also commissioned St Paul’s Rongo Mixed Day Secondary School.
Later, President Ruto presided over the groundbreaking of the Alara Nyambija Livestock Training Institute in Awendo, which will support livestock farming in the county.
The new institute will be powered by a reliable and affordable electricity supply, serving more than 25,000 households in the county.
The President also launched the construction of the Muhuru Bay Pier, which will reduce post-harvest losses and significantly increase earnings for local fishermen.
President Ruto flagged off the KSh1.9 billion Migori Last Mile Connectivity project, which will connect 25,000 households in Migori County by December 2025.
He also inspected the construction progress of the Oria modern market in Uriri.
