KENYA'S President William Ruto is set to embark on a development tour of the vast Mt Kenya region amid growing public discontent in the region.
Since Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment as Deputy President, the head of state has conspicuously avoided the Mt. Kenya region like a Plague, yet now he seeks to test the waters with more promises.
His upcoming visit in Meru County to launch the construction of the Maua-Athiru Road in Igembe for the sixth time raises eyebrows.
This road has stalled for years, with the blame falling squarely on the President and his close confidants, who are the contractors.
Back in January 2024, Ruto assured Maua residents that a new contractor would be on-site in two weeks.
Fast forward to January 2025, and the same promise is being recycled.
Is this a genuine commitment or a blatant disregard for the people's intelligence?
During the upcoming tour, the President is also expected to parade Kithure Kindiki, his new Deputy from neighboring Tharaka Nithi.
The spectacle of introducing Kindiki as though he’s a development project underscores the administration's detachment from Meru’s real challenges.
In January 2024, Ruto made an ambitious slate of promises to Igembe South, Central, and North, none of which have materialized a year later.
Here's a reminder of the unfulfilled commitments:
IGEMBE CENTRAL.
- Sh10M for classrooms at St. Mark’s Primary School Kiutine.
- Tarmacking of Kiengu-Nthambiro-Kanjoo (Korre) Road.
- Sh100M for Kiutine-Murera Road repair.
- Tarmacking of Kangeta-Isiolo and Athiru roads.
- Sh20M for Kiengu Subcounty Headquarters.
- Sh300M for electricity connectivity for 4,000 residents.
- Construction of Kiengu Market
- Funding for Baibariu Primary School.
- 1,500 computers for ICT hubs.
IGEMBE NORTH.
- Sh50M for Mutuati Market and construction of Laare Market.
- Sh30M for Mutuati Subcounty Headquarters.
- Tarmacking of 21km Antubetwe-Ngaya-Kinanduba Road.
- Electricity connectivity, additional tutors for Kaelo TTI and Laare DCC offices.
- 1,500 computers for ICT hubs.
IGEMBE SOUTH.
- 1,500 computers for ICT hubs in each ward.
- Sh10M for Igembe South TTI.
- 300 hostels and a bus for Maua KMTC Campus.
- Construction of Maua Stadium.
- Sh50M for Athiru Market and Sh250M for Maua Town Market.
- New contractor for Maua-Athiru Road.
- Funding for Nyambene Level 4 Hospital.
- Makiri Affordable Housing Units.
One year later, these projects remain promises on paper, leaving Meru residents to wonder if they’ve been relegated to the margins of Kenya’s development agenda.
Leaders in the region have in recent weeks expressed dissatisfaction at President Ruto's cabinet secretaries nominations and state agencies nominations.
On Saturday, December 21, 2024, Former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi petitioned President William Ruto to consider the county's natives in government appointments.
Kiraitu, observed that the president has forgotten Meru despite its significant contribution to his vote basket.
"Our problem is that, how come Meru has disappeared from Kenya's national and political maps? We are number four in providing a multitude of votes for any government. Our people are not happy. They say that no minister was appointed in Meru, but why not give them even an ambassador? We are saying the Meru people are tired of being taken for granted." Kiraitu Stated.
"We won't be political door mats anymore. We want to be treated equally like other ethnic blocs because we have a right to be in this country just like the others," added Kiraitu.
He revealed a meeting was in the offing, bringing together all leaders and stakeholders from the community to chart their next Political path.
"We are not asking to be favoured more than others, but what we are against is being discriminated against. We have always voted correctly, and our people are surprised that Ruto seems to have forgotten them so quickly. They are now asking for their rights." Said Kiraitu.
" In the last regime, we complained about Mau Mau roads, and this time, we found ourselves in the same ditch. The time has come for Meru to walk in the middle of the road. We are going to give Ruto some benefit of the doubt. We want to analyse the situation and underlying causes through Christmas and New Year. We will then have a mega meeting with all Meru leaders to address the issues," he reiterated.
A day later, Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi bashed the President for allegedly alienating the Meru Community.
Mithika, stated that the AMeru Community is Tired of being sidelined by the Head of state despite being amongst the communities that contributed to a huge chunk of the Kenya-Kwanza administration's votes.
Linturi, liked the Current administration's treatment of the Community to that of a Man trying to lure a woman by all means, getting what he wants and neglecting the woman.
"President Moi used to tell us back a man who is courting a woman to marry promises her the world but deep down He knows He is lying. After marriage and children the marriage becomes toxic. An empowered woman opts out and looks for another man to love her with her burden while the man thinks a woman with children won't go anywhere and won't be loved." Linturi Said.
" To President William Ruto, Meru trusted you with their votes but now that you are treating us like a desperate woman with kids." He added.
" We shall find another man ready to love us with our burden. Consultations are in high gear to chart way forward to review our relationship with the current administration." Linturi warned.
