In Summary:
- Alfred Keter criticizes William Ruto’s leadership for surrounding himself with yes-men and questions the effectiveness of the affordable housing project.
In a scathing critique, former Nandi Hills Member of Parliament (MP) Alfred Keter has launched a blistering attack on President William Ruto, accusing him of fostering an echo chamber of yes-men within his inner circle.
During an impassioned interview with Milele FM, Keter, a staunch critic of the president, didn’t mince words as he lambasted Ruto for his apparent disregard for differing opinions. He painted a picture of a leader surrounded by individuals who only echo his sentiments, creating an environment where dissenting voices are silenced.
Keter’s criticisms didn’t stop there. He went on to portray Ruto as someone who considers himself an expert in every conceivable domain, from economics to health, security, and infrastructure. According to Keter, Ruto’s reluctance to heed advice and his inclination towards unilateral decision-making underscore a troubling pattern of leadership.
“The day he will change maybe and from the look of things I don’t see him changing. You cannot advise him, he is an expert in economics, health issues, security matters, loans, infrastructure, transport, every sector,” Keter said with a tone of exasperation.
The former legislator also took aim at one of Ruto’s flagship initiatives – the affordable housing project. Keter didn’t hold back in labeling the project as a sham, arguing that it unfairly burdens taxpayers without delivering tangible benefits to the intended beneficiaries. His skepticism extended to the government’s approach to housing development, questioning the logic behind demolishing existing houses while simultaneously embarking on new construction projects.
“The housing issue is a scam,” Keter asserted, his voice brimming with conviction. “You cannot tax someone and then someone else benefits from it. These houses mnajenga kwa shamba ya public, it has never been de-gazetted from public land to private because individuals who are buying these lands are buying on their capacities as private.”
Keter’s criticism wasn’t limited to the affordability of the housing project; he also raised concerns about its transparency and effectiveness. He questioned the allocation of public land for private housing developments and called for greater accountability in the management of public resources.
In a particularly poignant moment, Keter challenged the government’s definition of “affordable” housing, highlighting discrepancies between the project’s cost and its accessibility to ordinary citizens. He called for a reevaluation of the project’s objectives and urged policymakers to explore alternative solutions that prioritize the needs of the people.
Throughout the interview, Keter’s frustration with Ruto’s leadership style and policy decisions was palpable. His impassioned plea for accountability and transparency struck a chord with listeners, sparking a broader conversation about governance and accountability in Kenya.
As the debate over Ruto’s leadership continues to intensify, Keter’s criticisms serve as a timely reminder of the importance of robust public discourse and accountability in shaping the country’s future. Whether his words will prompt meaningful change remains to be seen, but one thing is clear – the voice of dissent cannot be ignored.