NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 7 – President William Ruto has called for cooperation among independent institutions in serving Kenyans instead of undermining one another.
He said there was no need for supremacy battles and sabotage among the Executive, Judiciary and Parliament, pointing out that such moves would derail national transformation and service delivery.
President Ruto asked leaders to work together for the benefit of all Kenyans.
“Let’s avoid unnecessary negative competition and sabotage and work together in solving problems facing the country,” said President Ruto.
Speaking at Sugutek Segero Barsombe Africa Inland Church grounds in Uasin Gishu County, during a church service, President Ruto urged all leaders to embrace teamwork and unity in serving Kenyans.
The President said the challenges facing the country were unemployment and food insecurity.
He said time had come for leaders to explore ways of addressing unemployment by supporting the implementation of the Affordable Housing Programme.
“I want to take this first Sunday of the year to ask leaders to work together and stop unnecesary competition because we have one mission of serving Kenyans,” said President Ruto.
The Head of State wondered why some leaders were undermining transformative programmes such as affordable housing and universal healthcare yet the Constitution was clear about them.
He said he would not relent in the implementation of projects that have direct impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
“It’s unbelievable that a few individuals who earn salaries are opposed to efforts aimed at creating jobs for Kenyans. This is strange,” President Ruto said.
He said plans were underway to harvest rain water besides building dams to store enough water for irrigation and food production.
President Ruto noted that Sh100 billion was required to build infrastructure for harvesting water and construction of dams.
“Those who are politicising the cost of living should know that it is through focus on farming and production that we will grow enough food and thus reduce the cost of living,” he said.
Dr Ruto regretted that countries such as Malaysia, Singapore and Korea, that were at the same level of development with Kenya at the time of independence, have since achieved First World status.
But Kenya, he pointed out, has lagged behind because the leadership was complacent with convenient decisions on national affairs.
“We have been left behind in development by countries like Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore because we were unable to make decisions to change this country,” said President Ruto.
“This is why we must work together so that we fasttrack delayed transformation,” he added.
Present at the church service were First Lady Rachel Ruto, Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Governors Chelilim Bii (Uasin Gishu) and Wisley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet), Immigration Principal Secretary Julius Bitok and local MP David Kiplagat (Soy).
Others were MPs Samuel Chepkonga (Ainabkoi), Janet Sitienei (Turbo), Adams Kipsaina (Keiyo North), Joseph Wainaina (nominated), Julius Rutto (Kesses), Phyllis Bartoo (Moiben), Gladys Shollei (Women Rep, Uasin Gishu) and Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu).
Governor Rotich urged the government to take stern action against bandits terrorising residents in the Kerio Valley.
“There is need to deal ruthlessly with bandits who recently killed three peace ambassadors,” he said.
The MPs took issue with the Judiciary for undermining programmes aimed at transforming the lives of Kenyans.
Mr Chepkong’a said the Judiciary was expected to interpret the law, but not to sabotage projects that have a direct impact on the people.
“What we are witnessing in this country is judicial adventurism,” said Mr Chepkong’a.
The leaders said judicial activism had captured the Judiciary, leading to interference in affairs of the Executive.
“We will not allow the Judiciary to frustrate efforts by the government to improve the lives of Kenyans,” said Mr Kiplagat.
Ms Shollei said they will not allow anyone to interfere with the foundation that has been laid for solid economic transformation.
“We will deal with the ignorance of the Judiciary. We will ensure all projects aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans are implemented,” said Ms Shollei.
