Keter defends Jubilee development record amid internal revolt

Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Charles Keter has defended the Jubilee administration against allegations that it has done little since taking office three years ago.

Speaking at African Inland Church (AIC) in Kericho Town on Sunday afternoon, Mr Keter said President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto had overseen major development projects across the country.

Barely a week after Kericho residents accused the DP of ignoring the South Rift in development projects, Mr Keter prevailed upon them to be patient and give the government time to deliver on its pledges.

“Let us be honest. Even when a baby is born, it cannot walk in one day. Let us be patient. The government is determined to fulfill all the promises it made and you will confirm this soon enough. If anyone knows how all the work can be completed at a go they should teach us how,” he said.

Mr Keter added that even Members of Parliament who have been in office for years were yet to complete all the projects in their constituencies and urged MPs who were accusing the Jubilee administration to tone down on their accusations.

His remarks were largely interpreted to refer to MPs Oscar Sudi (Kapseret) Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills) and Johana Ng’eno of Emurua Dikir who have in the past week accused Mr Ruto of keeping silent as the Rift valley was starved of major development projects by the government.

Narok Senator Stephen ole Ntutu (URP) has also accused Jubilee of abandoning the region and threatened to lead the Maasai community out of the coalition and join the Opposition.

At the function, the former Kericho Senator announced that the ongoing electrification of primary schools across the country was nearing completion, a feat which would make Kenya the first African nation to light up all its primary schools.

The Minister said only 2500 out of the 22,599 public primary schools were remaining for the exercise to be completed, adding that the schools will be connected to electricity within the next one week.

Mr Keter at the same timed urged Kericho voters to replace him as senator with JAP candidate Aaron Cheruiyot in the March by-election.