The president, who is on a multi-day working visit to the Eastern region, was addressing residents of Makueni County when the MCA took the microphone to remind him of unfulfilled promises made before the 2022 elections.
The ward representative began by welcoming Ruto to Makueni and commending him for returning to the area, before quickly turning to a list of pending commitments.
Among the promises, he mentioned the construction of the Mooni Bridge, issuance of title deeds to residents of Nguu, and completion of stalled electrification projects.
“Mr. President, we thank you for visiting us again. But please remember the bridge you promised in 2021, the title deeds for our people, and the electricity program that has not yet reached all homes,” the MCA said respectfully.
“We are only waiting for one letter from the Lands Ministry so that the remaining residents can be surveyed and given title deeds. As your people here in Makueni, we humbly request that you come back in February to officially launch that bridge.”
The MCA’s tone was polite, but his persistence in reminding Ruto of the promises appeared to irritate the Head of State, who responded firmly — yet with a touch of humor that left the crowd cheering.
The President, smiling and gesturing toward his ministers, immediately turned to Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, instructing her to ensure that the pending letter on land issues was processed without delay.
He also directed Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir to allocate funds for the completion of the Mooni Bridge.
“Alice, that letter this MCA is talking about should be ready immediately. Davis, make sure the funds for the Mooni Bridge are available,” Ruto ordered as the crowd clapped.
“By February, I expect that bridge to be complete. Right?” he added, turning toward Chirchir.
The crowd erupted in applause, but Ruto was not yet done. Turning back to the MCA, he joked in Swahili, drawing laughter from both the dignitaries and residents present.
“Lakini sasa wewe MCA, unanipea ma-order hadharani? Hujui mimi ndiye Rais wa Kenya?” (“But now you, MCA, you’re giving the President orders in public? Don’t you know I’m the President of Kenya?”)
His statement sent the crowd into a frenzy of laughter and cheers, though it carried a clear message of authority.
Ruto then lightened the mood by linking the exchange to his bottom-up economic model, saying it was proof that his approach empowered grassroots leaders to hold those in power accountable.
“You see, this is the true meaning of the bottom-up approach. The person at the bottom is pushing the one at the top,” Ruto added, smiling.
The exchange became one of the most talked-about moments of Ruto’s Ukambani tour, which included inspecting and launching infrastructure projects across Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties.
While some viewed the MCA’s boldness as disrespectful, others praised him for courageously reminding the President of his past commitments.
“You see, this is the true meaning of the bottom-up approach. The person at the bottom is pushing the one at the top,” Ruto added, smiling.
The exchange became one of the most talked-about moments of Ruto’s Ukambani tour, which included inspecting and launching infrastructure projects across Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties.
While some viewed the MCA’s boldness as disrespectful, others praised him for courageously reminding the President of his past commitments.
The MCA’s remarks also highlighted the growing pressure on national leaders to fulfill their pledges amid tough economic conditions across the country.
Despite the light-hearted confrontation, President Ruto maintained a cordial tone throughout, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering projects across the region.
“My government will not discriminate. Development is for every Kenyan, whether they voted for me or not,” he said.
Despite the light-hearted confrontation, President Ruto maintained a cordial tone throughout, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering projects across the region.
“My government will not discriminate. Development is for every Kenyan, whether they voted for me or not,” he said.
“We will ensure every promise made to the people of Makueni is kept.”
The Ukambani visit is part of President Ruto’s broader strategy to strengthen his influence in regions traditionally loyal to the opposition, particularly Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s strongholds.
During his tour, the President has been accompanied by several local leaders, including Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Senator Dan Maanzo, both of whom have previously worked closely with Kalonzo.
Their cooperation with Ruto’s administration has raised eyebrows among political observers, who interpret it as a possible realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ruto’s team also used the tour to launch new government programs and emphasize unity across political lines. The Head of State repeatedly called for leaders to put aside partisan politics and focus on service delivery.
“Kenya is bigger than our political differences,” Ruto said in another stop. “We must work together to ensure every part of this country benefits from development.”
The dramatic exchange with the Makueni MCA, though humorous, perfectly illustrated Ruto’s oft-repeated bottom-up message — a governance philosophy that allows even the lowest-ranking leaders to speak up before the highest authority.
Ruto’s team also used the tour to launch new government programs and emphasize unity across political lines. The Head of State repeatedly called for leaders to put aside partisan politics and focus on service delivery.
“Kenya is bigger than our political differences,” Ruto said in another stop. “We must work together to ensure every part of this country benefits from development.”
The dramatic exchange with the Makueni MCA, though humorous, perfectly illustrated Ruto’s oft-repeated bottom-up message — a governance philosophy that allows even the lowest-ranking leaders to speak up before the highest authority.
Hello, my name is Yoruba. I'm a 25 year old self-employed blogger from the Africa.
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