President William Ruto on Tuesday condemned what he referred to as a “dirty spirit of opposition” that opposes every government initiative aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Devki Iron Ore Pelletization Plant in Taita Taveta county, the President called out leaders who, he claimed, are actively working against development initiatives.
“There is a dirty spirit of opposition—opposing everything,” Ruto said.
“They oppose affordable housing, the vaccination of cattle to eliminate diseases, changing the system to save our universities, and even universal health coverage. They oppose government projects and even offerings in the church!”
“Many leaders, including those who hail from Taita Taveta, fought me because they hate this county and this country. They do not want any good things to happen here. A project like this factory—they are against it. Affordable housing? They oppose it. Vaccinating cattle to fight diseases? They oppose it. What is this evil spirit of opposition? Even universal health coverage to help our people—they are against it,” Ruto exclaimed.
The Head of State expressed frustration at the lack of support for critical projects, particularly the Devki plant, which he noted would create jobs and promote industrialisation.
Highlighting the significance of the new plant, President Ruto lamented the past practice of exporting raw iron ore from Taita Taveta to other countries only to re-import finished steel products at inflated costs.
“Here in Taita Taveta, we have been extracting iron ore, putting it in trucks, and sending it to other countries. They go, make steel, create jobs for their children, and bring the iron back to us at ten times the price! How is that logical?” the President questioned.
“Now, we finally have the chance to change this, to process the iron ore right here and create jobs for our people.”
Ruto urged Kenyans to reject leaders who sabotage development projects for political gain and instead rally behind initiatives that promote economic growth and self-reliance.
“Let us not allow this spirit of opposing everything to derail our progress. This project is for the benefit of our people, and we must protect it,” he concluded.
The Devki Iron Ore Pelletization Plant is set to boost Kenya’s industrial sector, reduce reliance on imports, and create numerous jobs in the Taita Taveta region.
President Ruto’s message also called for unity and focus on nation-building rather than divisive politics.
