Ruto finds praise in Kalonzo’s Tseikuru road criticism

President William Ruto has highlighted remarks by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka crediting God with accelerating the long-awaited Tseikuru road project.

‎Ruto on Saturday cited Kalonzo’s remarks while addressing residents in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta County, after inspecting the Mto Mwagodi-Wundanyi Road in Mbale.

‎The President said he had heard about Kalonzo’s comments on the progress of the Tseikuru road and agreed that the project was being implemented at an accelerated pace.

‎“Nilikuwa nasikia rafiki yangu moja akisema ati, ‘unajua huyu Ruto anatumiwa na Mungu kujenga barabara ya kuenda kwake’ na ni kweli,” Ruto said.

‎He said the Tseikuru project was not the only road his administration was working to complete quickly, listing several other road projects being implemented across the country.

‎“Na sio hiyo barabara ya kuenda Tseikuru pekee yake nang’ang’ana kujenga haraka haraka. Mimi nang’ang’ana kujenga barabara mingi,” he said.

‎Ruto said he viewed Kalonzo’s remarks as an acknowledgement that work was taking place, despite their political differences.

‎“Na unajua Mungu ni wa ajabu kwa sababu ananisaidia kufanya ile kazi lakini pia anamtumia huyu kusema ukweli,” he said.

‎“Mungu anafanya kazi yake, anatumia huyu atangaze ukweli kwamba kazi inaendelea,” the President added.

‎Kalonzo had made the remarks recently while commenting on the progress of the Tseikuru road, which passes through his political backyard.

‎“Bwana Ruto kwa sababu anaogopa sisi anafanya bidii barabara ifike Tseikuru,” Kalonzo said.

‎He, however, argued that the project had taken too long and should have progressed further.

‎“Hiyo barabara ingekuwa imefika Maua by now,” he said.

‎Kalonzo acknowledged that work had accelerated, saying, “Hawa wameweka bidii zaidi.”

‎He also repeated his reference to divine intervention in the road project.

‎“Nilisema bwana Ruto anatumiwa na Mungu in a very special way, kuweka hiyo bidii. Sio Ruto, ni Mungu,” Kalonzo said.

‎The exchange came as Ruto toured Taita-Taveta as part of his development tour of the Coast region, with infrastructure projects featuring prominently in his engagements with residents.

‎In Wundanyi, the President also announced a Sh2 billion investment to construct student hostels for 5,000 university, technical college and Kenya Medical Training College students in Taita-Taveta under the Affordable Housing Programme.

‎At Funju in Wundanyi Constituency, Ruto laid the foundation stone for KSh145 million student hostels at Wumingu Technical and Vocational College.

‎The facility will provide 340 beds for students.

‎Ruto said the Government would also prioritise infrastructure serving the college and surrounding community.

As a matter of priority, we will also tarmac the road from Wundanyi town to the college and ensure reliable access to water and electricity for the institution and the local community,” he said.

‎The President said the projects were part of wider efforts to improve infrastructure and expand opportunities for young people.