Ruto: I will not be swayed by detractors

President William Ruto during Madaraka Day celebrations in Homa Bay on June 1, 2025. [Courtesy, PCS] The President has maintained a hardline stance that no amount of intimidation or name-calling will deter him from transforming the country, even as he pledged to support hundreds of young people and women in their businesses. Dr Ruto said he is currently in charge and one of his major assignments to transform the country will not be interrupted by the naysayers, out to criticise his work, insisting that women and youth will actively participate in his transformation agenda. Other than the ClimateWorX project, Ruto said the second phase of empowerment is underway, which will see 70 young people and women from every ward in Nairobi given Sh50,000 each to run their business. "There are young people under ClimateWorX, 20,000 of them, and we will add another 30,000 to do the job. We want you all to be involved and make sure young people participate in transforming Nairobi. We will work with the 50,000 young people to change the city," he said. "We have another phase for business for young people in Nairobi. In every ward, we will look for 70 young people and women to give each one of them Sh50,000 to run their businesses, and in the whole country, we will give at least 100,000 young people Sh50,000 for business," the President explained. He insisted on the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), saying that it was designed to uplift those on the lower economic level, reiterating the need for all leaders to work with the government in changing not only Nairobi, which is the face of Kenya, but also all parts of the country. "We are going to change this nation before our own eyes, and that is why you can hear a lot of noise, but I am focused. I have an assignment to transform this nation, and I will see it through. Continue with the noise, but you must understand that I have an assignment, and I must deliver. This is the time to do it, and I am the person to do it. I will be firm," he said after attending Sunday service at Makadara Church of Christ in Africa in Nairobi. Ruto maintained that many leaders have agreed we work with him by putting their differences aside in a move aimed at changing Kenya, and that no amount of intimidation or name-calling would henceforth change his determination to transform Kenya. He also promised to buy a bus for the church, donate some Sh3 million to change the roofing from the current asbestos, with an additional Sh1 million to support the choir. The President insisted on the need to change Nairobi, citing Bomas of Kenya, which he noted once renovation works are completed, it will have the capacity to host 10,000 guests to complement the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) that was built over 60 years ago. "We have walked far and wide and now have a broad-based government that brings people together. When we unite, we are stronger. I will ensure all communities will work together in leadership and in development... that is my commitment to the people, that no community will be left behind. It is my responsibility to unite the people. I will work with all leaders who are ready to move Kenya forward," he stated. Nairobi Governor, Johnson Sakaja, issued a stern warning to tenants who have been living in city council houses without paying rent for years, terming the trend unacceptable. Sakaja, who had accompanied the President, affirmed that the county government would no longer tolerate rent defaulters, warning that those who fail to comply will be evicted. "County houses are not mine; they are for Kenyans, and someone cannot stay in a house for 15 or 10 years and has not been paying even a penny, but you want services, you also want pending bills to be settled, garbage collection, road construction, medicine in hospitals. We must all play our part. You want services and you cannot have your cake and eat it," he said. He also said that the rent in the targeted houses is so low compared to the current market rate, noting that urban renewal is inevitable. This crackdown on rent defaulters targets nine estates, including Woodley, Kariobangi, Ziwani, Bahati, Jericho, and Lumumba, among others. "Tell me where in Kenya can you get a half-acre, three-bedroomed house at a rent of Sh17,000 and you have not paid for 10 years. Urban renewal is coming up. We are redeveloping nine estates in Nairobi. By @050 population in Nairobi will be high, and we must think about the future, and we are up to the task. Nairobi is experiencing devolution for the first time," he said. He took a swipe at politicians and unions opposing the affordable housing programme, accusing them of not only misleading the public but also ignoring the needs of ordinary Kenyans. "It is unbelievable that people can say building markets through the housing levy is misguided. If an affordable housing project is completed and a market is built nearby, what's the problem? Families living in those houses need household supplies from those markets. Those fighting this project, shame on you!" Sakaja said.

Ruto: I will not be swayed by detractors

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