Delegation Defends Ruto's Development Agenda, Faults Opposition Claims

By Fatuma Rashid

Senior government officials under the Jamii Imara Mashinani initiative have accused opposition leaders of spreading falsehoods to undermine state-backed development projects across the country.

The delegation, comprising Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, heads of parastatals and agency directors, spoke in Isiolo during a two-day citizen engagement forum.

They said the outreach seeks to counter misinformation by offering residents direct access to senior officials for clarification on government programmes and sector-specific concerns.

Public Health and Professional Standards Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, who is leading the Isiolo team, said the forums help identify local priorities while explaining ongoing projects.

“There is serious misinformation being peddled, and we are here to give residents accurate information and listen to their concerns directly,” said Muthoni.

She said the government had stepped up public participation to bridge information gaps and improve accountability in service delivery across counties.

Muthoni also raised concern over rising drug and substance abuse in Isiolo, linking the trend to broader public health risks.

She warned that sustained abuse of drugs without moderation was contributing to increased cancer cases and other non-communicable diseases nationally.

The Principal Secretary said substance abuse was also affecting hygiene standards among some young men, noting visible neglect in personal care in affected communities.

“We are seeing worrying levels of drug use, and it is impacting health and even basic hygiene among young people,” she said.

The delegation met Muslim leaders and local stakeholders, pledging continued engagement on economic, social and health challenges facing residents.

They urged Kenyans to support President William Ruto’s administration, saying the government remained committed to delivering on its development agenda.