The Principal Secretary for the State Department of Broadcasting and Telecommunications, Prof. Edward Kisiang’ani, has called for unity and support for President William Ruto’s administration, urging Kenyans to shift their perspective from criticism to constructive engagement. Speaking during an interview on KBC Channel 1’s program The Shift, Kisiang’ani asserted that President Ruto’s leadership and developmental initiatives are transformative and deserve recognition.
“What the President is doing is a game-changer,” Prof. Kisiang’ani stated. “He is changing things that the country has been struggling with since 1963. They will see once these are implemented.”
A Commitment to Development
Prof. Kisiang’ani highlighted Ruto’s unwavering dedication to implementing policies designed to improve citizens’ lives. He cited ongoing development projects as evidence of the administration’s commitment to prosperity. These efforts, he argued, are setting the stage for a brighter future, though their full impact may take time to materialize.
While acknowledging that citizens have the right to hold their leaders accountable, Kisiang’ani emphasized the importance of responsibility in public discourse. He criticized instances of extreme negativity, particularly on digital platforms, and called for a balanced approach to critique.
Tackling Challenges with Resilience
Despite the challenges the administration has faced, Kisiang’ani praised its resilience. He lauded the government’s ability to stabilize the country amidst turbulence, attributing this to President Ruto’s leadership.
“The leadership of this country has weathered turbulence, and its stabilization is a positive sign,” he said.
The PS also dismissed recent polls suggesting public dissatisfaction with the administration, questioning their methodology and objectivity. He argued that such surveys might not accurately reflect the sentiments of Kenyans, and he urged citizens to rely on tangible results rather than speculative data.
“Surveys are conducted by people, and I want to know the sample size, who the respondents are, and whether the questions are objective,” Kisiang’ani said. “Some of those who conduct these surveys are not objective, and we need to question the authenticity of some of them.”
Calls for Responsible Criticism
In addition to advocating for patience and support, Kisiang’ani urged Kenyans to exercise their democratic freedoms responsibly. He expressed concern over the misuse of internet platforms, particularly by individuals spreading misinformation or tarnishing reputations without evidence.
“We need to see how we can use the internet responsibly,” he stated. “As you exercise your freedom and democracy, you need to be responsible.”
Kisiang’ani’s sentiments were echoed by his counterpart from the State Department for ICT and Digital Economy, Eng. John Tonui, who joined the discussion. Both leaders underscored the government’s focus on leveraging digital tools to advance development while maintaining the integrity of online spaces.
An Appeal for Unity
As the government continues to roll out its development agenda, Kisiang’ani urged Kenyans to rally behind President Ruto’s vision for the nation. He acknowledged the constitutional right to critique leaders but stressed the importance of doing so constructively and within the law.
“I urge every Kenyan to support President Ruto moving forward. The government is open to criticism and will listen, but we must unite behind the President’s agenda. He needs our support,” he said.
Looking Ahead
According to Kisiang’ani, the current administration is on track to fulfill its promises, and its efforts will yield visible results in due course. He expressed optimism about the future, rating the government’s performance highly despite the hurdles it has encountered.
Underlining the need for collective effort, Kisiang’ani called for a shift from ridicule to recognition, emphasizing that sustainable progress requires collaboration between the government and its citizens.
As President Ruto’s administration continues to navigate challenges and implement its policies, Kenyans are encouraged to give credit where it is due while remaining vigilant in their role as active and responsible participants in the democratic process.
