President William Ruto on Friday graced the thanksgiving prayer service for Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo in Mutumbu, Siaya County.
It marked the start of his four-day development tour of Nyanza where he will traverse Kisumu, Homa Bay, Siaya and Migori counties.
Below is the highlight of his speech during the prayer service that was graced by a section of elected leaders from the region and residents.
I received a paltry 4,32 votes here in Siaya. Those votes added onto others and gave me the presidential win. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to plan and develop Kenya.
The two questions for the 2022 general election were how to bring about peace and end tribalism. I received at least 25 per cent of the total votes cast in 39 counties in Kenya. That is why I follow instructions from Kenyans and I will never ever allow divisive politics.
I have formed a habit of coming to Nyanza repeatedly because I want you, who voted for the opposition, to realize that this is the government and that you will be treated without any form of discrimination.
There exists a political divide amongst leaders but we all work for the people. Government works for the people as opposition criticises and reminds government on what to do.
We have launched a fish project in Kabonyo in Nyando to boost traders in the fish value chain and rid the market off fish from China. We have built a Sh900 million fish landing site in Luanda Kotieno. Others will be built in WichLum, and two each in Kisumu, Migori and Homa Bay.
Last Tuesday, the Cabinet approved Sh4 billion for Lower Nzoia Irrigation scheme to produce rice. We are increasing some 200,000 acres of land for the production of rice in the country.
The national government will add Sh30 million to the Sh50 million that Siaya County government has set aside for the construction of a rice milling plant.
The national government will write-off nearly Sh7 billion debt owed by public-owned sugar companies in the region to give them a new lease of life.Soon we will not be importing sugar.
The national government and the county government of Siaya contributed Sh250 million each for the establishment of Siaya County Aggregation and Industrial Park (at Got Akara). The common user facility will add value to various agricultural value chains, create jobs and grow the economy.
We have announced tenders for the construction of eight markets within Siaya County. The markets will include Akala and Yala in Gem constituency. Overall, we are building 400 markets across Kenya.
I will split the 100-acres Nyamninia land into half and give it for the expansion of Odera Akang’o University.
In two to three months, I will be coming back to launch the construction of an affordable housing project in Siaya. The project will create some 7,000 new jobs for our youth. We will build 1,000 of the housing units in Gem.
I will come back to Siaya because it's time you get to understand that I'm the President. The boundaries created by political parties should not divide us. I'm not new to you, we were once all together in the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM).
I supported Agwambo (ODM boss Raila Odinga) to become President but we only got the Prime Minister position. I managed to get that presidency that we had been looking for. What is the problem again?
I will coordinate with Elisha to deliver a school bus to Mutumbu Girls Secondary School.
Both the national and county governments are implementing the Universal Health Coverage programme. Here in Siaya, we have 2,000 Community Health Promoters (UHPs) who have adopted 100 households at the lowest level of society to ensure that health is delivered without great expense to the citizens. It is going to be about preventive not curative health.
The National Hospital Insurance Fund monthly contributions will range based on a person’s size of income. I will reduce the Sh500 minimum payment to sh300 to favour low-income earners.
I have heard that those who came to see me at State House have been bashed for allegedly 'bringing their stomachs'. Even me I have brought my stomach to Siaya today. Do some people leave their stomach at home?
Those who have a problem with how other people are cooking for their visitors should also start welcoming wananchi for meals instead of just talking.