William Ruto’s Misplaced Priorities: Missile Defence Over Medicine and Meals

In a baffling display of apathy and tone-deaf misjudgment, President William Ruto plans to purchase the SPYDER Missile Defence System from Israel at the eye-watering cost of at least KSh 4 billion.

This high-tech missile defence system, developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is celebrated for its prowess in targeting and neutralising aerial threats. However, in the context of Kenya’s pressing needs, this purchase is not just ill-timed—it is outrageously misplaced.

The SPYDER System: A Costly Symbol of Misguided Priorities

The SPYDER ("Surface-to-air Python and Derby") system has garnered attention since its successful tests in 2005. It’s a sophisticated, mobile air defence solution designed to protect against a range of aerial threats. And yet, Kenya faces no significant aerial threat that justifies such an expenditure. The primary enemies of the Kenyan people are the Ruto regime itself, alongside hunger, poverty, and a crumbling healthcare system—not enemy jets or missiles.

Debt: The Real Enemy

William Ruto is borrowing more loans and collecting more taxes than Uhuru and Kibaki combined, but without a single project to show for it. Where is all the money going to?

As William Ruto continues to borrow, unfettered, Kenya’s debt continues to swell, leading to higher taxes and increased financial strain on citizens. More debt translates to more tax burdens and, consequently, more economic slavery.

The purchase of the SPYDER system will only exacerbate this issue. Shouldn't the priority be on alleviating debt and ensuring the basic needs of Kenyans are met? More debt equals more tax, and ultimately, more suffering.

Misplaced Military Investments

In the face of domestic security issues, specifically in the North Rift, the president's homeground, what Kenya needs are not exorbitant missile defence systems but investments in armoured personnel carriers (APCs), main battle tanks (MBTs), artillery, and modern fighter jets.

These would be far more practical for dealing with internal security threats like banditry and terrorism. The absurdity of deploying a sophisticated missile defence system to counter bandits clad in lesos and akalas and armed with AK-47s and grenades cannot be overstated.

Ruto’s Newfound White Friends and the Non-NATO Ally Status

Barely a fortnight ago, Kenya was elevated to “non-NATO ally” status, seemingly becoming a ready market for NATO-made arms.

This status has brought with it a surge in unnecessary and extravagant military purchases, ostensibly to curry favour with Ruto's new White nesties. The SPYDER system purchase appears to be a direct consequence of this newfound alliance.

Bandits, Not Ballistic Missiles, Stupid!

The reality on the ground is starkly different. Kenyans are grappling with food insecurity, unemployment, and a lack of basic needs and services. A recent survey by Tala revealed that many Kenyans are skipping meals and selling personal assets just to survive.

In such a scenario, spending billions on a vanity missile defence system just to please White people is not only wastefully imprudent but criminally negligent.

Prioritising Public Welfare Over Defence Contracts

Imagine if the KSh 4 billion earmarked for the SPYDER system were instead used to improve healthcare, pay teachers, nurses, and doctors, or build infrastructure. These are the areas where investments would yield tangible benefits for the Kenyan people. Instead, President Ruto is squeezing every last shilling from taxpayers to fund his unnecessary military purchases.

Corruption and the Defence Industry

Wars are often engineered to sell weapons, and it seems Kenya is being dragged into this cycle.

The irony is that even advanced systems like Israel’s Iron Dome have struggled against sophisticated threats. Kenya, with no significant aerial threats, does not need such systems. What it needs is effective governance and prudent financial management.

Misguided Spending Amidst Economic Hardship

It’s not just about the purchase cost. The maintenance of such advanced systems will be a continuous financial drain. Meanwhile, essential services like healthcare and education are underfunded. The government's misplaced priorities are evident, as it continues to burden Kenyans with oppressive taxes while splurging on military equipment that provides little to no benefit to the populace.

The Call to Action

Kenya’s current path under President Ruto’s leadership is unsustainable. The focus must shift from pleasing international allies to addressing domestic issues.

I urge every Kenyan to voice dissent against these wasteful expenditures. Use the hashtags #RejectFinanceBill2024 and #OccupyParliament to demand accountability and a re-evaluation of national priorities. Let’s make it clear: our leaders must put the needs of Kenyans first.

President Ruto’s plan to purchase the SPYDER Defence System is a glaring example of misguided priorities. At a time when Kenyans are suffering from economic hardships, such expenditures are not just unnecessary—they are a blatant disregard for the welfare of the nation. It’s high time the government realigned its priorities to serve the people, not foreign defence contractors or geopolitical interests.