Johnson Sakaja defends President Ruto after backlash on unfulfilled promises
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended President William Ruto against public backlash directed at his government over failed promises.
While attending a church service in Soweto on Sunday, Sakaja delved into a spirited defense for President Ruto, noting that he needs to be accorded fair ridicule given the short time he has been in office.
The Governor argued that the problems bedeviling Kenyans have long existed under previous regimes and it would be unjust to expect Ruto to swiftly address them.
"The other day I went to Murang'a and people asked me about MauMau Road. But MauMuau stopped fighting in 1963 and we had the first president for 14 years, the second one for 24 years and the road got worse, the third one for ten years still no road, the fourth one came and still no road but you 2 years and the blame is already on you. Is that fair? In two years he solves a 60-year problem," Sakaja said.
Sakaja therefore urged Kenyans to exercise patience and allow President Ruto to actualize his ambitious promises, noting that positive change has already begun to take effect.
"There is an aroma of good work happening. We need to give you time, you have only been president for two years. Thika Road was built in the fifth year. Expressway was done in the ninth year," he said.
Speaking in the same service President Ruto expressed confidence that he will significantly transform the nation despite calls to tone down his unpopular reforms.
"By the grace of God, this country is not going to remain the same. I have no doubt that Kenya is going to change, that we are going to deliver food security, universal healthcare and affordable housing," said Ruto.
Sakaja further urged President Ruto to consider constructing a sports stadium on the vast 32-acre Jacaranda grounds which he believes will boost the socio-economic activities for the area residents.
"A stadium does not cost much. In Dandora we spent only Ksh.270 million and here you can do a bigger one because you have land. We can also build a school. I know you can do it," he noted.
