President William Ruto has started a four-day development tour of the Gusii region, focusing on defending his administration's development record and criticizing the opposition. On Sunday, he led a delegation of national government officials in the first leg of his tour in Nyamira and Kisii counties. Ruto attended an interdenominational church service at Nyamaiya Grounds, bringing together faithful from various churches in West Mugirango Constituency. He later launched and announced several development projects.
During his visit, Ruto turned his attention to the opposition, claiming internal divisions could tear it apart even before the next general election. He stated, "Mnaona vile wanapigania makelele, msijali na hao majamaa. Wale nitawashughulikia sana; kwanza wamesambaratika hata kabla ya wakati kufika." The president also outlined his administration's development agenda for the region, promising increased investment in roads, rural electrification, and agriculture.
Ruto's administration has earmarked billions of shillings for infrastructure development in the region. He mentioned that Ksh.11 billion will be spent on roads and rural electrification. The president also announced the construction of major roads in Nyamira, which will take up a total of Ksh.11 billion, alongside Ksh 10 billion for affordable housing. Additionally, he announced the extension of the Rironi–Mau Summit road project to Kisii and onward to Kisumu.
Gusii leaders accompanying the president pledged to stand with his administration, citing his development track record and commitment to the equitable distribution of national resources. Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and his Kisii counterpart Simba Arati reaffirmed their support for the president, promising to rally behind his development agenda. Nyaribo stated, "Ile maendeleo umeleta kwa region yetu, kila mtu anaona na macho. Sisi tutaunga mkono serikali yako."
Kisii Governor Simba Arati affirmed, "Watajua sisi ni watu wa kusimama nyuma ya Ruto, na watu wetu wasife moyo, tuko na tutazidi kuwa kwa serikali." Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya requested that the president address the issue of low coffee prices, which are affecting local farmers. She added, "Bwana Rais, tunaomba pia usawazishe maneno ya mazao ya kahawa. Wakulima wetu wanaumia na bei duni, ilhali wenzao kutoka kwingine wanazidi kunufaika na bei bora."
While in Nyamira, Ruto reassured the ODM faction within the broad-based government of their enduring partnership ahead of the polls. He stated, "We shall continue to work with our brothers in the broad-based government." National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro added, "Kwa watu ambao wanafikiria hatuna umoja, chama cha ODM na UDA tumeshikana na tunafanya kazi pamoja."
On Monday, President Ruto is expected to launch various projects in Kisii County. The president's tour aims to showcase his administration's development achievements and build support for his agenda in the Gusii region. Key projects announced during the tour include the construction of major roads and affordable housing, as well as investments in agriculture and rural electrification.
Key points
- President Ruto criticizes opposition for internal divisions.
- Ruto's administration to invest Ksh.11 billion in roads and rural electrification.
- Gusii leaders pledge support for Ruto's development agenda.
