Vihiga County residents on Tuesday slammed President William Ruto ahead of his tour in the county to launch several projects.
The residents during an interview were angered by the president’s visit to launch and commission a project already commissioned by the previous regime.
“You are coming to re-launch roads that you launched when you were the deputy president,” one local stated.
Ruto is expected in the county to launch a CT Scan Centre at Vihiga County Referral Hospital, and commission affordable housing near the Vihiga Law Courts.
A collage of President William Ruto commissioning the Othaya Sewerage Project – Last Mile Connectivity on August 7, 2023 (left) and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta launching the Othaya Water Project in 2016 (right)
PCS
They argued that the roads he will launch including one from Soma to Shamakhokho were launched during retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
“There are no development projects the president will bring to the county. We have seen his program and the majority of the projects are under the county government,” one resident noted.
Vihiga residents also complained about the affordable housing program explaining there was no public participation in the project.
“How can you introduce projects without tenders and not inform us how much it will cost or who the contractor is?” another questioned.
According to the residents Ruto was only in the area to campaign for 2027 and insult those “wearing sufurias” on their heads.
They added that Ruto and his entourage would priotise politics and castigate Azimio leader Raila Odinga and the opposition.
The residents have advised the president to get his priorities in order and provide essential services in the county including ambulances, hiring doctors, and enough medical supplies.
“When the president comes, I want him to be clear on how he will help the youth. It is time for him to fulfill his promises,” another resident stated.
Residents also complained that Ruto’s Hustler Fund had failed to help them as promised due to the low loan limit and various restrictions. They argued that with the tough economic times, the Ksh500 offered as a loan was not enough.
The Head of State has been on the spot for re-launching projects already commissioned by his predecessors.
The opposition has accused Ruto of taking credit for these development projects encouraging him to start his projects and fulfill his campaign promises.
While in Mt Kenya for a five-day tour in early August, Ruto defended his government for relaunching the projects arguing he was part of the planning under the former administration.
He explained that he was forced to take up the projects in the new administration since the handshake between Uhuru and Raila derailed progress.
President William Ruto on a car in Kiambu County during campaigns in 2022
Photo
UDA
