Kenyan President William Ruto has taken his 2027 re-election campaign to Kitui County, a stronghold of opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka. During a development tour, Ruto addressed a rally in Musyoka's turf, recalling their shared political roots. In 1992, Ruto campaigned for Musyoka when he ran for Parliament under the Youth for KANU '92 lobby group. Ruto reminded the crowd of his past support and asked for Musyoka's backing in 2027.
Ruto made headlines by directing the contractor building the 55-kilometer Twimiwa-Tseikuru-Usweni road to pave an extra three-kilometer stretch to Musyoka's rural residence. The president issued the instructions during the launch of the KSh5 billion road project in Mwingi North Constituency. Ruto insisted that residents near Musyoka's home deserve full access to national infrastructure. He defended the decision as a national duty, asserting that his administration serves all Kenyans equally.
The KSh5 billion highway project aims to transform regional logistics by connecting farming and pastoralist communities in northern Kitui to key markets and public services. Ruto noted that his administration works tirelessly to deliver equitable growth across regions previously left behind. The project is part of his broader development agenda, which includes initiatives to address historical marginalization in the sharing of national resources.
Musyoka, a prominent figure in the Ukombozi Alliance, criticized Ruto's Ukambani tour, accusing him of using public project launches to launch political attacks against opponents. Musyoka spoke at a Thanksgiving service in Tharaka-Nithi County, criticizing Ruto's governance and highlighting the pressing economic burdens facing ordinary citizens. He noted that Kenyans have been suffering due to poor governorship, theft of public funds, and leaders enriching themselves.
Ruto continues to leverage nationwide technical launches and infrastructural projects to build momentum for his administration's development record. Alongside the road network project, he initiated several high-impact educational and community projects in Kitui and Makueni counties. These include the construction of a KSh145 million hostel project at Tseikuru National Polytechnic and the distribution of land title deeds to traders and residents in Makueni County.
In Kitui County, Ruto launched several projects, including the construction of a new hostel block and 10 classrooms at Tseikuru National Polytechnic. He also handed over a new school bus to Tharaka Girls Secondary School to enhance student transportation. In Makueni County, Ruto commissioned Kathekani Senior Secondary School and launched a last-mile electricity connectivity project in Kathekani.
Ruto's development push across Ukambani aims to address historical marginalization and promote equitable growth. His administration has initiated several projects to improve infrastructure, education, and economic opportunities in the region. The president's efforts to build momentum for his 2027 re-election bid are underway, with a focus on showcasing his administration's development record.
Key points
- Ruto directs road construction to Kalonzo Musyoka's home, seeks support for 2027 re-election bid.
- The KSh5 billion highway project aims to transform regional logistics and promote equitable growth.
- Musyoka criticizes Ruto's governance, accusing him of using public project launches for political attacks.
