Ruto pledges goodies to Coast residents on Coast tour

President William Ruto has pledged goodies to Coast residents as he started his week-long tour of the region on Friday.

He promised to connect electricity for free to more than 21,000 households in Kilifi county.

Speaking in Kilifi during the burial of Mzee Kingi Mwaruwa, father to Senate Speaker Amason Kingi in Kamale village, President Ruto also promised to settle thousands of squatters in the Coast region by December.

He said his administration was determined to unite the country and end discrimination that led to some regions being left behind in development.

He also promised to ease the issuance of national identification cards despite criticism from some quarters.

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"We are determined to have a nation that is united, a nation that is balanced, and a nation that is focused," he said.

He said that the initiative will transform lives and businesses in the region that's driving the country's growth.

On the settlement programme, Ruto said he has already assigned Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya and Hassan Joho and Kingi to identify land from absentee landlords in the region to be purchased by the government to settle squatters.

"I have already given the assignment to identify the land to be acquired from absentee landlords. By December, we will be issuing the title deeds to squatters," he said.

He said his tour that ends on Saturday next week will see him commission the construction of Kwa Jomvu to Mariakani road, affordable housing projects, and address land issues.

On his recent directive on the issuance of national identification cards, President Ruto said the same procedure must apply to every applicant across the country as opposed to the past when some communities were being subjected to grilling before getting the documents.

He said his administration was determined to end discrimination in various aspects of life and rally all Kenyans towards even development of the country.

On electricity connection, President Ruto said the government inked a deal that will ensure Kilifi and other 13 counties get power.

''Last week on Wednesday, I signed a Sh21.6 billion agreement that will ensure that 14 counties including Kilifi that have been lagging behind in electricity connection will get free electricity," he said.

He further stated that he would work with the area MPs to realize the project.

''We will agree with the  MPs on which areas will be prioritized so that we can have reliable power and power the existing industries," said Ruto.

He added that the only money they will part with is their monthly bills, which will be lower compared to using  kerosene.

''All the selected households will get electricity for free. Whether you live in a mud house or a permanent or iron sheet, you will connect electricity to your house for free. All you will do is pay your monthly bill. It is cheaper compared to using kerosene," he said.

The connections are part of a broader electrification effort for the entire coast region, which has already seen thousands of homes connected to the national grid.

In addition, President Ruto defended his move to scrap old vetting requirements for Northern Kenya ID applicants.

''I am committed and unapologetic about making sure that there's equity in the Republic of Kenya. A lot of people are unhappy because we are seeking equity for all Kenyans. We must all be treated equally and I'm shocked that there's a problem with that," he added.

Ruto has also promised to finish a number of stalled projects in Kilifi including the construction of the 56 kilometre Bamba-Ganze-Kilifi Road to boost economic development in the region.

He also promised to work with Kilifi governor Gideon Mung'aro to construct the Ramada-Adu-Kamale road.

The president has announced his one-week tour of the coastal region.

''I am here until Saturday next week for several development activities,'' said Ruto.

Ruto hinted that after the Pembe people living in Kenya were formalized as Kenyans, the Watta community has already received a code and may be given full recognition soon.

Speaking at the event, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki urged Kenyans to work together as a nation.

"As a nation, we must strive for togetherness because working together will enable us to do all things in peace,'' he said.

He criticized a section of church leaders for claiming that the government has embarked on advertising its programmes instead of delivering services to Kenyans noting that the Constitution stipulated that the government explains to the people what it is doing as part of public participation.

Speaking at the event, National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula commended Raila Odinga for taking part in the just concluded African Union Commission elections, adding that the determination to push Kenyans into international spaces remains unwavering.
 
''It is not just about raising our national profile; it is about reinforcing our country’s influence and credibility in global affairs.

"That is why, while we acknowledge and support our brother Raila Odinga who may not have succeeded this time, we must also recognize that sometimes, a loss can be a blessing in disguise,'' he said.

However, he noted that it was unfortunate that some chose to remain indifferent to this important national cause.

"Such apathy does not serve the interests of our country. Patriotism is about standing together, regardless of the outcome. Indifference to a collective mission of national significance is, to say the least, deeply unpatriotic. May God grant wisdom and perspective to those who failed to see the bigger picture,"  he added.

Kingi eulogised his father as a true African man.

Kingi recalled how his late dad sacrificed and endured struggles to help shape his future and inspire life lessons that carried him throughout his life.

Several leaders were present at the event including Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichungwa among others.