Statehouse Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed has clapped back at popular blogger Kebaso Morara, who recently stirred the pot by claiming that President William Ruto had rerun the ribbon-cutting on a Kisii County road project that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta already inaugurated way back in 2016.
Taking to his X account on Monday, August 19, 2024, Mohamed set the record straight debunking the claims made by the blogger. He explained that the road project, a 64.6-kilometre stretch winding through Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies, did indeed kick off in 2016. But, according to Mohamed, the project hit the brakes when the original contractor underperformed in May 2023.
“Ndugu, stop misleading Kenyans! The road crisscrosses Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies in Kisii County and is 64.6 km. The project was initially awarded on 11th May 2016, and works commenced on 5th August 2016, after its launch by President Uhuru Kenyatta. But the contract was mutually terminated on 16th May 2023, due to the contractor’s non-performance. At the time of termination, the contractor had completed 27km, with 77 months having lapsed out of the 30-month contract period,” Mohamed clarified.
He further noted that the project was tossed back into the tendering ring and re-awarded in March 2024, with construction work revving up again by June. Mohamed confirmed that President Ruto did recently roll up his sleeves and relaunched the project. Mohamed pointed out this was more about keeping promises than cutting the same ribbon twice.
“President @WilliamsRuto officially relaunched the newly awarded road contract, fulfilling his pledge to complete all stalled road projects. The contract period for the works is 42 months and a further maintenance period of 36 months,” Mohamed tweeted
Responding to Kebaso’s beef with the relaunch, Mohamed reminded everyone that these kinds of ceremonies are often more about celebrations. He suggested that the blogger visit the site to see the real action.
“FYI: A project launch is often just a ceremonial event, and it sometimes occurs after works have already begun, hence the phrase ‘official launch’. Don’t overly concern yourself with plaques. You should’ve gone to the Kegogi-Sombogo-Marani-Ititi section where works are ongoing. Today’s photos of the ongoing works are below,” Mohamed advised.
Kebaso keeping Ruto in check
Kebaso had earlier taken a swipe at local leaders for what he saw as a Ruto love-fest during the recent Kisii visit, accusing them of excessive fawning and questioning what real development had come to the region.
“Abagusii leaders were busy simping and praising Ruto like a Lord. This is Metembe – Marani – Kegogi – Nyaore Road. Launched in 2016 by Uhuru, Launched again juzi when Ruto came to Kisii. Those leaders should stop playing with our minds. Which development did the president bring to Kisii? Tell us,” Morara wrote on his X account.
