'Itoke Mandera, iteremke Modogashe,' Ruto defends road project amid ridicule

A mockery of President William Ruto’s announcement of a North Eastern road project has now turned into a viral sensation. 

On popular social media app TikTok, users remixed his speech into catchy beats and dance challenges, sparking a social media trend.

Ruto’s rhythmic delivery of the road’s route—“Ndio barabara itoke Mandera, ikuje Ramu, ikuje Garre, ikuje El-Wak, ikuje Kobo, ikuje pale Kotulo, ikuje Tarbat, ipitie hapa Wajir, iende Samatan, iteremke Modogashe, ifike Isiolo, iende Nairobi…”—became an instant hit.

The trend quickly spread across social media, with users creating humorous skits and musical remixes.

Ruto has now dismissed critics who mocked his announcement last week about the government’s plan to construct a 750-kilometer road linking Isiolo, Modogashe, El Wak, and Mandera.

Reaffirming his commitment to the project, the president on Wednesday, February 19, said seven contractors were already on-site to begin groundwork.

“Last week, I was in Northern Kenya, and I announced a major road that will be constructed from Isiolo through Wajir all the way to Mandera and many people think it is a joke. In this country sometimes we take matters of life and death as if it is a joke,” he said.

He noted his administration’s commitment to equitable development, vowing that the North Eastern region would not be left behind.

“I am committed to delivering on the road from Isiolo to Mandera because for a very long time, we have left Northern Kenya behind and it is a deliberate statement by the government of Kenya, through this administration, that no part of Kenya will be left behind,” he added.

Ruto made the remarks at Stima Members Club in Nairobi while officiating the signing of contracts between private contractors, the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC), and the Rural Electrification and Renewable Energy Corporation (REREC).

He oversaw the signing of 14 contracts valued at more than Sh10 billion to expand electricity access in 12 counties, including Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, and Kilifi. He further pledged to connect all schools and households to electricity.

“Six contracts will see 343 public health facilities, schools, and administrative offices connected to electricity through stand-alone solar systems at a cost of Sh438 million,” Ruto stated.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki also defended the Isiolo-Mandera road project, insisting it would be completed within two and a half years.

“You can make fun of it online, but we are focused because this is the same road we will use to show the people there what we have done for them,” Kindiki said.