Ruto accuses Uhuru, Raila of ‘sabotaging’ development
President William Ruto has again accused the former regime led by Uhuru Kenyatta of sabotaging the development projects he initiated across the country.
Speaking in Lodwar on October 12, 2023, The President also blamed the handshake between former president Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga on the stalling of the projects, including the construction of roads.
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“I launched various infrastructure projects here in Turkana, including hundreds of kilometers of roads. Unfortunately, they were only partially completed, and this was due to the Handshake, BBI, and the distraction of ‘reggae.’ Our economy was on the brink of collapse,” Dr Ruto said.
Ruto spoke while attending the Turkana Cultural Festival, locally known as ‘Tobong’u Lore.’
The festival serves as a platform for fostering unity among community members from neighboring South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia and acts as a means of conflict prevention through positive interactions.
The Head of State affirmed his commitment to streamlining the economy and vowed to continue the development projects in Turkana, promising the residents that he would initiate more.
“We have made substantial preparations, and if you give me a little more time, I will address these issues and ensure the completion of the roads I initiated, as well as the construction of others as agreed upon with your local leaders,” the President assured.
Mr Ruto was accompanied by several Cabinet Secretaries, including Dr Alfred Mutua (Tourism), Aisha Jumwa (Gender, Culture, Arts, and Heritage), Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai, Jonathan Bii (Uasin Gishu), Marsabit’s Mohammud Ali, and various MPs and political leaders from Turkana County.
The BBI, an acronym for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) was originally championed by Mr Kenyatta (now retired) after he joined hands with Mr Odinga.
However, this popular initiative was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.