Kebaso on Sunday, August 18 accused local leaders of lying to Kenyans regarding the project.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Monday, August 19 accused Morara Kebaso, a 28-year-old businessman and lawyer, of misleading the public regarding the launch of the Metembe-Marani-Kegogi-Nyaore Road by President William Ruto during his visit to Kisii County.Â
Kebaso on Sunday, August 18 accused local leaders of lying to Kenyans regarding the project. He became a sensation on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for mimicking President Ruto with his near-perfect impersonation before transitioning to actively verifying government projects across the country.
His actions were praised by Kenyans, who in turn accused the media of allowing an individual like himself with a far smaller operating budget to surpass them in daily efforts to keep the government of the day accountable.
A photo collage of a plaque showing names and details of a project and a road under construction in Kisii County. /MORARA KEBASO.HUSSEIN MOHAMED
“Abagusii leaders were busy simping and praising Ruto like a Lord. This is Metembe-Marani-Kegogi-Nyaore Road.
“Launched in 2016 by Uhuru, Launched again juzi when Ruto came to Kisii. Those leaders should stop playing with our minds. Which development did the president bring to Kisii? Tell us,” Kebaso stated.
However, Mohamed set the record straight, providing a detailed explanation of the road’s history and circumstances that culminated in its relaunch by President Ruto.
According to the former journalist, the road crisscrosses Kitutu Chache North and South constituencies in Kisii County and is 64.6 km. The project was initially awarded on May 11, 2016, and works commenced on August 5, 2016, after its launch by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“But the contract was mutually terminated on 16th May 2023, due to the contractor’s non-performance. At the time of termination, the contractor had completed 27km, with 77 months having lapsed out of the 30-month contract period,” he stated in part.
He then recalled that the project was re-tendered and awarded on March 14, 2024, with works commencing on June 22, 2024, adding that President Ruto officially relaunched the newly awarded road contract, fulfilling his pledge to complete all stalled road projects.
The contract period for the works, he went on, was revealed to be 42 months and a further maintenance period of 36 months.
“FYI: A project launch is often just a ceremonial event, and it sometimes occurs after works have already begun, hence the phrase ‘OFFICIAL LAUNCH’. Don’t overly concern yourself with plaques,” he added.
Mohamed, in telling him off as well as other critics, urged them to visit the Kegogi-Sombogo-Marani-Ititi section where works are ongoing.
