TAITA TAVETA, Kenya – A section of leaders allied to President William Ruto has urged Kenyans to give his administration more time to fulfil campaign pledges, dismissing growing criticism over the pace of delivery.
Speaking in Taita Taveta County during a Women Empowerment Meeting hosted by County MP Lydia Haika on Saturday, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula likened demands for quick results to “rushing childbirth.”
“Even if you married today, you cannot go to the delivery room in one or two months and expect a baby,” Wetang’ula said, adding that the president needs “time, prayer and unwavering support” from both leaders and citizens.
We must unite and reject divisive, ethnic politics, peace is non-negotiable.In Taita Taveta, at the invitation of County MP Hon. Lydia Haika, I urged residents to live harmoniously and embrace government initiatives that uplift livelihoods.The Women Empowerment Program
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah defended the government’s record, saying it had already achieved significant milestones, including hiring more teachers than any other administration.
“This financial year alone, we will hire 24,000 additional teachers, bringing the total to 100,000,” the Kikuyu MP said, calling it “a hallmark of leadership that prioritises the people.”
Lurambi MP Bishop Titus Khamala asked critics to be realistic, noting that “meaningful change takes time.”
“What can he achieve in two years that others have not in 50?” he posed, citing the resumption of stalled road projects in Western Kenya.
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi claimed the president was being resisted for pursuing equitable development across all regions.
Some leaders also took aim at Deputy President-turned-opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of divisive politics.
Lafey MP Mohamed Abdikher alleged that when in office, Gachagua told certain communities their votes “were too few” to merit positions.
“After he was impeached, he started calling you cousins. Do not be fooled,” Abdikher said.
Wetang’ula warned against tribalism and political score-settling, saying:
“We cannot go to foreign countries, speak ill of our nation, then return pretending to be patriots. Our problems will be solved by us, and our diversity is our strength.”
Presidential aide Farouk Kibet urged peace and cooperation to support local projects in Taita Taveta, including improved water access, roads, and markets.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo and Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe separately criticised leaders for “exporting tribalism” abroad, urging Kenyans in the diaspora to market the country’s tourism instead.
Haika cited progress on land ownership, noting the opening of two more land offices in the county to shorten service access.
The leaders pledged to intensify grassroots engagement, back social projects, and empower women, youth, and religious institutions.
“We are not here for just one term,” Ichung’wah declared. “Those saying one term, I dare ask, one term, then what?”
