I don't need permission to tour Mt Kenya , Ruto tells off critics

President William Ruto has told off his political opponents for criticizing his constant visits to Mt Kenya region saying he does not need anyone's approval to visit the region.

He said as the president, he has a duty of service to all Kenyans.

Speaking in Gichugu Kirinyaga County, Ruto said the region's electorate entrusted him with the presidency and in the spirit of reciprocity, he owes them an explanation on development projects.

"You gave me a job and in turn, I have an obligation to give you my report form on my performance to you.

"I want to tell those criticizing me from Nairobi to leave me alone. They have not given me a job, the citizens have," Ruto said.

The president said among the achievements his administration has achieved include lowering the cost of fertilizer, securing employment opportunities for 56,000 new teachers and initiating water projects in the region including the Kerugoya -Kutus water bulk supply project.

The president further affirmed his commitment to streamlining the coffee and tea sector by way of eliminating cartels that have long frustrated them.

He said the task force that is being led by deputy president Rigathi Gachagua will do everything possible to restore the glory of the sectors.

The president cautioned that the government has set aside Sh.2.5 billion to directly buy coffee from farmers should the cartels persist in frustrating the farmers.

The president spoke during a groundbreaking event of 1,000 affordable housing units that will be implemented on a 70-acre piece of land in Kianyaga town.

He said a similar 10,000 units will be replicated across Kirinyaga County.

The Project, he said will come in handy in addressing the unemployment crisis in the country that has affected about 4 million Kenyans as it will seek to source labour from unemployed locals, especially the youths.

The president added that his administration will continue partnering with countries in securing digital spaces related jobs for the unemployed youths.

The president added that the national government will partner with the local county government in various projects amongst them the equipping of the Kianyaga level 4 hospital, upgrading of the Kianyaga stadium, and completion of the stalled roads across the county.

In addition, the president noted that his administration will also commission a KMTC and a TVET in Gichugu.

On politics, Ruto said his administration was legitimately elected a year ago and as such, will selfishly guard the will of the people.

He reiterated that his administration will not share power with the opposition as that would be tantamount to disrespecting the wishes of the people.

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua echoed his sentiments saying the president will be touring the region every month as he has a responsibility to Mount Kenya citizens.

He told off those mocking his visits and dubbing them as a 2027 political campaign.

Gachagua affirmed that he will continue pursuing the interests of the regional residents and called on the residents to fully support the government.

Governor Ann Waiguru said that her administration will continue to partner with the national government towards the fulfilment of some mega-county projects.

Among the projects the two levels will partner in are among others the Sagana Industrial Park and the lining of rice canals in Mwea.

The governor further mobilized for a partnership with the national government for the equipping of the ongoing Kianyaga level 4 hospital and the construction of the Kianyaga stadium.

In addition, he called on the national government to increase pick-up points for subsidized fertilizers in order for farmers to easily and conveniently access the farm input.

Waiguru assured that her administration is committed to securing more stores for the storage of fertilizers.