Go burn charcoal – Ruto Cracks the Whip on Incompetence: Fires Contractor, Unveils Massive Infrastructure Plan in Kakamega

In a bold and unexpected move that stunned a church congregation in Kivaywa, President William Ruto publicly dismissed a road contractor for failing to deliver on a critical infrastructure project in Butere, Kakamega County. 

Addressing the faithful during a Sunday service, Ruto didn’t mince words as he revealed his growing frustration with contractors who fail to meet deadlines despite receiving payment. “There is a road that has posed a challenge, but I will look for another contractor,” he declared. “I have told the one in place to go look for another job… go burn charcoal.” 

The president’s blunt remarks drew laughter and applause from the crowd but carried a serious undertone, non-performing contractors will no longer be tolerated under his administration. 

Ruto’s visit wasn’t just about rebuke—it marked the beginning of a new wave of infrastructure development in the region. He announced the launch of six new road projects in Kakamega County, vowing to ensure that all stalled roads are completed promptly. 

“We have already paid the contractors for these roads. They must finish them. These roads are not just tarmac, they are arteries of our economy,” Ruto said. 

The president emphasized that improved road networks will significantly boost trade, transport, and access to services across the Western region. 

Beyond roadworks, President Ruto acknowledged the delays in rural electrification, promising that action was already underway. “I know that on power, we have lagged behind,” he admitted. “That is why I have taken affirmative action.” 

With a Ksh3 billion allocation now in place, the government aims to connect 85,000 rural households to electricity, with 35,000 connections expected by December 2025. The rural electrification push is part of Ruto’s broader development agenda aimed at leveling the playing field for underserved regions. 

As part of the larger infrastructure strategy, Ruto also revealed that he had dispatched Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to China to secure funding and strike deals that could unlock major projects for Kenya. 

Among the top priorities is the Rironi–Mau Summit–Eldoret–Bungoma–Malaba highway, a key economic corridor that’s expected to be built in phases due to financial constraints. Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2025. 

Meanwhile, the NSSF is gearing up to invest billions of shillings, drawn from Kenyans’ retirement savings—into the Nairobi–Rironi–Mau Summit Highway, in partnership with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), if their bid succeeds. 

Ruto’s move mirrors a growing trend of public accountability among Kenyan leaders. Earlier this month, Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika dismissed her speechwriter on the spot during a Madaraka Day event after an embarrassing blunder referring to “Wamunyoro”—a humorous twist on a real location. 

While the tone may vary, the message from both leaders is clear: there is no room for mediocrity in public service.