Makueni Senator Maanzo slams Ruto’s Mount Kenya visit as politically motivated

Senator Maanzo also took aim at Ruto's nomination of Geoffrey Ruku, the Mbeere North Member of Parliament, as CS for the Ministry of Public Service, warning that this move could spell the end of MP's political career
President William Ruto's planned visit to the Mt Kenya region has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that the trip is more about securing his re-election than addressing the region's development needs.
Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo, in particular, criticized Ruto's political decisions, claiming that the visit was a political maneuver rather than a genuine effort to address the region's pressing issues.
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Speaking in an interview on Citizen TV on Thursday, Maanzo criticized President William Ruto's regional tours, calling them a waste of both time and resources.
He stressed that the focus should be on actual development, rather than simply visiting the regions.
"President Ruto has made a serious blunder. These tours to the regions are a waste of time and money. What we need is development, not just visits." Maanzo stated.
He further criticized Ruto for failing to make progress on key projects such as the Thwake Dam, Konza City, and road development in central Kenya, pointing out that none of the Vision 2030 projects have been advanced during Ruto's leadership.
"The Vision 2030 projects, including the Thwake Dam, Konza City, and road developments in central Kenya, have great potential for progress. However, what we're seeing now are superficial efforts. Ruto seems more focused on securing re-election than on delivering tangible development. There is no real development record," said Maanzo.
Maanzo also took aim at Ruto's nomination of Geoffrey Ruku, the Mbeere North Member of Parliament, as Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service. The senator warned that this move could spell the end of Ruku's political career, which he believes was largely supported by Justin Muturi, who was sacked as CS in the same docket.
"President Ruto has destroyed Ruku's political career. Ruku was a creation of Muturi and was sponsored by his party. Now that he's been appointed a cabinet secretary, I can assure you, he will never be re-elected by the Mbeere people because Ruto's regime will soon come to an end," said Senator Maanzo.
The senator also raised concerns about the abduction of Muturi's son, alleging that the government's involvement in the illegal act was a violation of both Kenyan law and international human rights.
According to Maanzo, the abduction has led to a fallout between President Ruto and Muturi, who, despite the government's actions, was able to recover his son. Maanzo highlighted the severe implications of such crimes, calling them a major issue both locally and internationally.
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