Ruto laughs off his critics as he lists roads govt is working on
President William Ruto has outlined key road projects his administration is undertaking in Baringo County, dismissing those criticizing him for focusing on roads during his various development tours across the country.
While speaking at the burial of the late Senator William Cheptumo in Baringo on March 1, 2025, Ruto detailed various road upgrades and construction initiatives aimed at enhancing security and development in the region.
“Usijali unajua watu wanasema mimi ni yule mtu wa barabara na hiyo barabara ni kazi mzuri. Usikuwe na wasiwasi kuna wengine hawajui barabara ya kuenda kwao iko wapi,” he stated.
Ruto indicated that the road from Ainamoi to Kabluk through Barwesa, which was a priority for the late Cheptumo, had already been completed.
“The late Cheptumo approached me regarding the road from Ainamoi where it meets the road to Iten, and we agreed to construct that road from Ainamoi through Kabluk to Barwesa,” Ruto said.
“That road has been completed, though I hear there are some minor issues that we will fix,” he added.
Additionally, Ruto assured residents that the road from Kipsaraman to Barwesa and Bartabwa, extending to Kinyach, is currently undergoing construction with a new contractor on site.
“We had challenges with the previous contractor, but we have now engaged a new one who has already set up at Kinyach. He will complete the remaining stretch and also fix the deteriorating sections leading to Kipsaraman,” Ruto stated.
The president further announced that his government has secured funding for a 65-kilometre road from Kinyach through Aror to Kafwar.
“We want to open up this region to promote peace and development,” Ruto emphasized.
He added that Cheptumo and other leaders from Baringo had also pushed for the completion of the road from Loruk to Ginyang, Chemolingot, and Barbelo.
“That road is now done, and we have already awarded the contract for the next phase connecting Barbelo to Tot, Chesegon, Kopasi River, Lomut, Sigor, and Marichpass,” he said.
The president confirmed that financing for these projects had been secured from the China Development Bank.
“This is an important security and development corridor that will connect the road from Nakuru through here to West Pokot,” he explained.
He further elaborated that the road from Kopasi River would continue to Lomut in West Pokot, then to Sigor and Marichpass.
Tribute to Senator Cheptumo
In his speech, Ruto further eulogized the late Senator Cheptumo as a dedicated Christian, patriot, and committed leader who served his people with passion.
He conveyed his condolences on behalf of his family and the government, acknowledging Cheptumo’s immense contributions to leadership and public service.
“I join this multitude in bringing my condolences, especially from my family, my wife and children, and many other Kenyans, on behalf of the entire government, to Senator William Cheptumo’s family,” Ruto said.
He described Cheptumo as a leader who was deeply committed to his constituents, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to public service.
“I can say without fear or contradiction that William Cheptumo was a great leader and that he loved his people. He was very passionate about his people. And he didn’t take for granted his responsibilities as a leader,” Ruto added.
