Morara Kebaso, a prominent Gen Z businessman and activist, has disclosed that the government sought his involvement following his critical videos highlighting stalled projects initiated by President William Ruto. Known for his sharp critiques and satirical approach, the 28-year-old gained recognition for exposing incomplete government projects across Kenya.
In a post on X dated August 26, 2024, Kebaso revealed that he received a substantial offer to join the government, including a direct proposal from President Ruto himself. However, he declined the offer.
“I don’t want to lie. I have received offers to join the government even from the president himself but I told him I am just fine,” Kebaso wrote.
In an interview with a local daily, Kebaso emphasized his commitment to revealing government corruption through the exposure of stalled projects.
“My intention is to sensitise Kenyans about corruption in government. That is why I have been going round the country to reveal stalled projects and those that have not kicked off despite promises by President Ruto’s administration,” he said.
“When Gen Zs called for protests I had no option but to join them in the fight for a better Kenya,” he added.
Criticism and Response
Recently, President William Ruto has faced intense scrutiny for allegedly relaunching development projects originally started by his predecessor, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. Critics argue that Ruto is repurposing old initiatives as part of his ongoing nationwide development tour.
In defence, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed stated on August 17, 2024, that Ruto’s commitment to completing all stalled projects, including those initiated before his presidency, reflects responsible leadership.
“It’s a mark of responsibility for a President to ensure that all feasible projects, including those that stalled before his election, are completed. This commitment is part of the pledges President Ruto made in the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, the very document that got him elected,” Mohamed wrote in a post on X.
Mohamed further explained that Ruto’s development tours involve not only launching new projects but also inspecting ongoing ones and reviving stalled initiatives.
“So yes, during his development tours across the country, the President will continue to implement the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, including launching new projects, inspecting ongoing ones, and, where necessary, reviving and completing those that stalled before his election—ALL FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE! Have a great and responsible weekend, folks,” Mohamed added.
Uhuru-Era Projects
Despite the defence, criticism persists. Since early August, Ruto has relaunched several projects originally initiated by Uhuru Kenyatta. For example, on August 8, 2024, Ruto relaunched the Iriari and Kanyuambora Irrigation project, first launched by former Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki on March 8, 2021. Similarly, during his Murang’a tour, Ruto relaunched the Murang’a Kiriaini road project, which began in 2019 but stalled in 2020.
Other projects relaunches include the Ksh800 million Kaigonji irrigation project in Tetu, which started in 2017 and was completed in April 2024, as well as the Ksh15 million Githurai water supply project and the Githurai modern market, both initially launched during Uhuru’s administration.
Ruto’s relaunch of projects, including the Ksh1.1 billion Kagio Water supply and the Ksh60 million Othaya Water Sewerage plant, has been noted in regions such as Nyanza and the Coast.