President William Ruto has strongly defended his decision to host frequent delegations at State House, Nairobi, insisting the practice has elevated rather than diminished the dignity of the seat of power.
The President has faced mounting criticism over what some have described as turning State House into a venue for campaign-style rallies, with concerns raised about the huge costs involved.
Speaking during the launch of the Social Health Authority (SHA) sponsorship programme on Friday, Ruto dismissed the accusations, saying opening State House to ordinary Kenyans was a deliberate move to give the people ownership of the institution.
“Kuna wengi wanalalamika ya kwamba nimefungua makao haya yakawa makao ya watu rejareja…ati hapa panatakikana ati mahali ya watu wakubwa wakubwa, mabalozi…wale wanalalamika eti nimeshusha heshima ya State House…mimi nataka niwaambie sijashusha heshima ya State House, nimeinua heshima ya Wakenya,” Ruto said.
In the past month alone, the President has hosted at least ten delegations at State House, including religious leaders, professionals, county caucuses and grassroots leaders. One of the largest gatherings — dubbed Walimu na Rais — brought together 10,000 teachers in an event reportedly costing more than Ksh.100 million.
Earlier meetings have also drawn leaders from Murang’a, Meru, Gusii, and Nairobi business groups. In August, the President hosted 1,100 business representatives from the capital, where empowerment packages worth more than Ksh.500 million were announced.
The scale and frequency of the delegations have, however, attracted sharp criticism from the opposition, who argue that State House is being misused as a political platform for early campaigns and voter inducement.
Ruto maintains the gatherings are meant to foster inclusivity and give Kenyans direct access to the presidency.
