You can't hold us ransom! Ruto slams contractor over Bukhungu Stadium delays

President William Ruto with other leaders during the inspection of Bukhungu Stadium in Kakamega County on January 1, 2025/ PCS

During an impromptu visit to the stadium in Kakamega County on Wednesday, Ruto expressed his dissatisfaction with the slow progress, stating it was unacceptable that the project was still in its early stages.

Wondering why the project had stalled, Ruto told the contractor to be honest if he was unable to complete the work, so the government could consider hiring another contractor.

"You cannot hold us ransom. You are a notorious contractor for abandoning projects. You start work here, do a little, then move on to another site, do a little there. That is not acceptable," Ruto said.

The contractor defended himself, claiming he was dedicated to finishing the project and was already on-site.

"'I'm not holding anyone ransom, I'm sorry, I promise you I will be dedicated," the contractor said.

In response, the president said, "You cannot be on-site as a tourist. We need to see progress."

"I'm sorry, I will put effort," the contractor said.

Ruto emphasised that a project meant to take months had now dragged on for years. He expressed regret that the stadium would not be ready in time for the CHAN games.

The president ordered the contractor to ensure the stadium is completed by June 2026.

"This stadium must be finished by June 2026. The people of Kakamega must be able to use it by next year, June," he concluded.

This comes shortly after the president instructed the Ministry of Health to issue a final warning to the contractor building the Kisii Cancer Centre over delays bedevilling the project.

Ruto, who was on an inspection tour of the project on Wednesday asked Medical Services PS Harry Kimtai to issue the warning.

“Give very firm instructions to this contractor. This is unacceptable. You will get a final warning,” the President said.

Kimtai, who accompanied the President during the tour, said he had scheduled a meeting with the contractor on Friday.

“You come yourself here for that meeting on January third,” Ruto instructed.

“I was here three months ago and we agreed on what needs to be done but it's not happening.”

Ruto said the contract will have to be terminated if the contractor does not make improvements.

“If you do not pull up your socks, I am sorry we will have to terminate your contract and get another contractor so that we can get this cancer centre off the ground,” he said.

“It's just as simple as that, there is no fight, no quarrel, you just have to do what you have to do.”

On his social media pages, the President issued a warning on contractors delaying implementation of key projects.

“We have laid a strong foundation to accelerate the fulfilment of our promise to the people. Contractors delaying the implementation of key programmes will not be tolerated,” he said.