By Elvis Lagat
President William Ruto has strongly defended the proposed Isiolo-Mandera highway, a key infrastructure project aimed at transforming northern Kenya, following online mockery and accusations that the initiative was staged for attention. Speaking on Wednesday, February 19, during a ceremony to sign contracts for enhanced electricity access via mini-grids and solar power, Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to the project, which spans 750 kilometers and is seen as crucial for the region's development.
The president addressed the viral video that had circulated on social media, which showed him detailing the stops along the planned highway. The video quickly became the subject of humor, with many mocking his attempts to remember the names of towns along the route. Despite the online ridicule, Ruto was unwavering in his response, insisting that the project is vital for northern Kenya’s growth and that it is not a political stunt.
“We are intentional. We are deliberate as we do this because we must develop this country in a wholesome manner,” Ruto said, emphasizing that the region has long suffered from neglect and must be included in the nation's development agenda. He reminded critics that infrastructure improvements in such areas are not trivial matters but essential steps toward equitable progress for all Kenyans.
The road project, connecting Isiolo to Mandera through Wajir, is part of a broader effort to address the historical lack of infrastructure in northern Kenya. Ruto reiterated that his administration is determined to ensure the completion of the project, despite the online mockery. “Let me tell you good people, you know, in this country sometimes we take matters of life and death as if it is a joke,” he added, signaling his frustration with those who downplayed the importance of the initiative.
Acknowledging the region’s years of lagging infrastructure development, the president made it clear that the 750-kilometer road would provide a transformative asset for northern Kenya, driving economic growth and improving access to vital services.
Ruto's firm stance on the project highlights his government’s broader push to revitalize long-overlooked areas, ensuring that all parts of the country are included in the national development framework. Despite the viral memes, the president remains focused on fulfilling his promise to the people of northern Kenya.
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