Ruto warns against tribal politics, vows to push development agenda

President William Ruto has dismissed his critics as leaders without vision, a plan or agenda, saying they only seek to derail development through constant political noise.

Speaking during a tour of Kisumu and Homa Bay counties on Thursday, the President warned Kenyans against politicians who thrive on anger, hatred and tribalism, saying such leaders are dangerous to the country’s unity and progress.

"These are people who have no vision, no plan, no agenda. But we will ignore them and move this country forward," Ruto said.

He noted that the government is focused on uniting the country and working with leaders across the political divide to deliver development.

"We have agreed with the opposition to end politics of division and focus on the unity and development of our country," he said.

The President made the remarks during a tour accompanied by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Governors Anyang’ Nyong’o and Gladys Wanga, Cabinet Secretaries and Members of Parliament.

Ruto said some leaders have chosen name-calling, sloganeering and endless politics because they have nothing useful to offer Kenyans.

He strongly defended the Affordable Housing Programme, saying it aims to help low-income Kenyans move from paying rent to owning homes, while creating jobs in construction and supporting trade and manufacturing.

Telling off those opposed to the programme, the President said, "It is a transformative project that will change lives and grow the economy."

He said the government is keen on turning around the economy of the Nyanza region through targeted projects in various sectors.

Ruto cited ongoing reforms in the sugarcane sector, including the leasing of sugar mills to boost profitability and ensure farmers and workers are paid.

"At the end of this year, we will issue bonuses to sugarcane farmers in this region," he said.

He also announced a Sh1.5 billion investment in the blue economy to improve fish landing sites and promote value addition.

"We want to use Lake Victoria to grow the economy of this region, to ensure youth get jobs and produce enough fish to eradicate hunger and enable our farmers and traders to do business," he said.

The President also revealed that the Standard Gauge Railway will be extended from Naivasha to Malaba through Kisumu to boost regional trade and movement.

On his part, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga supported the Affordable Housing Programme, calling it an important project that addresses housing and job creation.

“It is a good development programme. We all know that housing is a basic human right,” Odinga said.

He added that the opposition has chosen to work with the government to ensure a peaceful and stable environment for development.

While in Kisumu, President Ruto launched several housing projects, including the LV Marina Housing Project at Kirembe Grounds and laid the foundation for Makasembo Estate Phase III.

He also commissioned Makasembo Estate Phase I, which includes over 2,300 housing units developed by the Local Authorities Provident Fund.

The President inspected ongoing works at the Lumumba Estate Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu Central, which was launched in August and will deliver 2,384 housing units.

In Homa Bay County, he launched the construction of the 40-kilometre Marindi-Oria Bridge in Ndhiwa Constituency and the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project targeting over 25,000 households in Kanyamwa.

He also commissioned the Ndhiwa Technical Training Institute to enhance skills development in the region.