Ruto says 'Singapore dream' is a reality, tells critics to step aside

President William Ruto with former Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at State House, Nairobi. [PSC]

President William Ruto has continued to campaign on his transformational agenda of elevating the country to first-world status. 

The president said that a “Singapore in Kenya” is no longer a dream but a reality. 

“Those with faith are few; stop being doubting Thomases. For the first time in Kenya, we are funding projects and Affordable Housing is transforming the country’s landscape,” Ruto said. 

Ruto said the Kimalel Goat Auction is a long-standing tradition that should be embraced. 

“I have said before, ‘bottom-up’ is not just a slogan but a plan to lift Kenya to first-world status. Read the manifesto, everything we are implementing was part of it,” the president said. 

He added that the National Infrastructure Fund is merely an implementation plan approved by Kenyans. 

Ruto urged Parliament to support the government in achieving its goals. “I’m telling those who complain that we are following the path first-world countries took to development, we will do whatever it takes,” he added. 

He urged leaders to have faith in his government, the country and God, saying the transformation plan will be achieved. 

Ruto challenged his critics to showcase their track record and policies on what they have done for the country. “Look for some agenda and policies. It may not be easy, but I know it’s possible. If you have no track record or plan, just step aside,” he said. He accused the opposition of creating imaginary opportunities without a concrete plan.  

The president said his government has restored order in the North Rift and now aims to let the economy grow and learners return to school. 

“We still have people with guns, but we will come for them and they know the consequences. Others in Transmara must also surrender their firearms. Guns are for security officers, not civilians. If you want a gun, register with the police,” the president said. 

In the morning, he commissioned the Sh1.5 billion 132kV Lessos–Kabarnet Transmission Line Project. He said it will integrate into the national grid, providing reliable, affordable and stable electricity to Baringo residents, addressing frequent power outages. 

“With our university, industrial park and other developments, we have invested a billion in energizing Baringo,” he added. Affirmative action will ensure residents gain access to electricity. 

Ease traffic  

Ruto stated that Sh3.4 billion has been allocated for roads. Some contractors were fired for failing to complete projects. “We have planned 178 roads starting next year to improve transport for communities,” he said, noting that traffic on the Nakuru–Eldoret highway will ease with the construction of the Mai Mahiu–Rironi highway. 

The president said the government has strengthened Competency-Based Education by constructing over 1,000 laboratories, creating equal opportunities for learners from remote areas. He added that Sh12 billion has been allocated to address drought. 

He was accompanied by Baringo MPs, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and other dignitaries. 

MP William Kamket (Tiaty) regretted that a presidential directive to supply Lake Baringo water to Tiaty has not been implemented, denying residents access to clean water. 

MP Musa Sirma (Eldama Ravine) noted that guns are now silent in North Rift due to the president’s efforts. Florence Jematia called for affirmative action for widows affected by banditry. 

Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi said disarmament has borne fruit, criticizing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for undermining national unity. 

Senator Vincent Chemitei urged support for resettling locals displaced by insecurity, while Senator Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu) called for KALRO to be established in Baringo to sustain meat production. 

He condemned the ongoing opposition to development activities, calling it unacceptable and promising to support the president. 

CS Geoffrey Ruko (Public Service and Special Programs) said his department has allocated funds to feed livestock affected by the ongoing drought. He urged administration officers to register drought-affected residents to facilitate food distribution. 

“Don’t believe the lies about anyone controlling mountain Kenya voters. This country is led by one leader, President Ruto,” he added. 

Insecurity in Transmara 

CS Energy Opiyo Wandayi said his department will address electricity issues in Baringo. He noted that the Nyanza region supports President Ruto as the right candidate. 

Minister Hannah Cheptumo (Gender) called for eradicating harmful practices, especially FGM. 

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot urged the government to apply the same efforts used against banditry in Baringo to emerging insecurity in Transmara. He also criticised Gachagua for failing to win recent by-elections and urged the president to continue serving the country despite naysayers. 

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa praised President Ruto for bringing stability to North Rift communities, an issue that had persisted for years. 

“We are organizing to ensure President Ruto is re-elected in the next election. As people from the mountain region, we are also planning ourselves. You saw what happened in Mbeere,” he said. 

He criticised opponents of the “Singapore dream,” insisting the term is figurative and misunderstood by critics. 

Ichungwa urged the president to ignore naysayers and continue focusing on national development and economic growth. 

“Many have never read our manifesto. The bottom-up model was never just a campaign slogan. Those criticizing it don’t understand it. Keep developing the country,” he added.