President William Ruto has responded to the widespread online mockery surrounding his recent road-naming speech, asserting that the Isiolo-Mandera road project is a crucial investment in infrastructure, not a joke. The 750-kilometre highway, set to connect various towns in Northern Kenya, became the subject of a viral meme after the president’s rhythmic listing of locations during a public address.
Ruto’s Speech Goes Viral
While addressing residents in Isiolo, Ruto passionately outlined the key towns that would benefit from the road project:
“Ndio barabara itoke Mandera, ikuje Ramu, ikuje Garre, ikuje El-Wak, ikuje Kobo, ikuje pale Kotulo, ikuje Tarbat, ipitie hapa Wajir, iende Samatan, iteremke Modogashe, ifike Isiolo, iende Nairobi…”
The repetitive nature of his speech quickly caught the attention of Kenyans online, leading to a wave of memes and TikTok challenges. Many compared it to a previous speech by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who praised Ruto’s ability to recall rural road names.
Ruto’s Response: ‘This Is Not a Joke’
Addressing the backlash on February 19, Ruto dismissed the online jokes, expressing disappointment that Kenyans were trivializing such a major development project.
“I was in Northern Kenya, and I did announce a major road artery that will be constructed from Isiolo through Wajir and Mandera. Many people think it is a joke. In this country, sometimes we take matters of life and death as if they are jokes,” he stated.
The president reaffirmed his commitment to the highway, emphasizing its economic benefits and urging Kenyans to focus on the opportunities it will create.
“I’m committed to delivering that 750 kilometres of road because, for a very long time, we have left Northern Kenya behind. As we develop that transport corridor, there will be huge opportunities; take time and sample those opportunities,” he added.
The Status of the Isiolo-Mandera Road
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has since provided an update on the project, revealing that 11 contractors are already on-site working on different sections of the highway. He criticized those mocking Ruto’s speech, arguing that they were uninformed about the actual progress.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain—whether through memes or serious discussions, the Isiolo-Mandera road project has captured the nation’s attention. Only time will tell whether it will materialize as promised or remain another political talking point.
