NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto isn’t backing down. At a time when political criticism is at it’s highest, Ruto is making a bold statement: transform Kenya — no matter the cost.
Speaking during the Second Kenya Urban Forum in Naivasha on Tuesday, the Head of State made it crystal clear that he’s locked in.
“I cannot be distracted,” he said. “I am a man on a mission to transform this country. No amount of noise and propaganda will sway me.” If it costs him politically, he said he’s ready to pay the price.
At the center of Ruto’s statement is one of his most ambitious and controversial projects: the Affordable Housing Programme.
Ruto emphasized the urgency, citing data that shows Kenya’s urbanization rate is at 4.3% annually, with half the country’s population expected to live in towns and cities by 2050.
“We are implementing bold and strategic measures to shape this urban future,” he said, “ensuring every Kenyan has access to planned, dignified, and decent housing.”
While the Affordable Housing Programme has faced fierce criticism from opposition leaders and skeptical Kenyans, Ruto insists the impact speaks for itself.
The event was happening on the backdrop of Justice for Ojwang protests which were triggered by the death in custody of the teacher and blogger.
Young people showed up in great numbers to demand accountability and arrest of Police DIG Lagat.
What started as a peaceful protest ended up being infiltrated by goons alleged to be sponsored by the state so as to discredit the protest. Unfortunately, a bystander, caught on camera, was shot by police at close range.
The incident has sparked rage both online and offline with citizens calling for accountability.
