A section of leaders allied to President William Ruto has defended his administration’s performance, calling on Kenyans to give the Head of State more time to deliver on his campaign pledges.
Speaking in Taita Taveta County during a Women Empowerment Meeting hosted by County MP Lydia Haika on Saturday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula likened the pressure for rapid results to “rushing childbirth.”
“Even if you were married today, you cannot go to the delivery room in one or two months and expect a baby,” Wetang’ula said, urging citizens to offer “time, prayer and unwavering support” for the president’s agenda.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah cited key gains in education, noting that the government plans to hire 24,000 additional teachers this financial year, raising the total recruited under Ruto’s administration to 100,000. He described the initiative as “a hallmark of leadership that prioritises the people.”
President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet, called for unity among leaders to facilitate development projects, including improving access to water, roads, and markets in Taita Taveta. “That can be achieved through unity, cooperation, and empowerment drives,” he said.
Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala urged patience, questioning what could realistically be achieved in two years compared to past administrations’ decades in power. Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi argued that Ruto was facing resistance for promoting equitable development across all regions.
Some leaders used the platform to criticise Deputy President-turned-opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of divisive politics during his tenure. Lafey MP Mohamed Abdikher alleged that Gachagua had dismissed some communities as having “too few” votes to deserve positions.
Wetang’ula cautioned against leaders “settling political scores” and urged Kenyans to guard against tribalism. Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo and Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe also criticised politicians for “exporting tribalism” abroad, encouraging the diaspora to instead market Kenya’s tourism potential.
Host MP Lydia Haika highlighted progress in land services, revealing that two new land offices had been opened to ease access for residents. The leaders pledged to intensify grassroots engagement and champion empowerment initiatives for women, youth, and religious institutions.
“We are not here for just one term,” Ichung’wah declared. “Those saying one term, I dare ask, one term, then what?”
