President William Ruto sought support for his 2027 re-election bid during his Ukambani development tour.
President William Ruto highlights road, electricity and healthcare investments as he urges residents to judge leaders by their records.
President William Ruto has sought Ukambani support for his 2027 re-election bid, citing his administration’s development investments. He urged residents to judge leaders by their achievements and plans rather than political slogans.
Ruto made the appeal on Tuesday, October 28, as he concluded a four-day tour of Machakos, Kitui and Makueni. During the visit, he inspected, commissioned and launched projects across 11 constituencies.
Ruto courts Ukambani support on development record
Speaking at Kagonde in Masinga Constituency, Ruto argued that poor political choices had held back the region’s development. He also rejected politics based on discrimination, exclusion and tribal identity.
The President addressed residents after launching construction of the Kagonde-Masinga-Kaewa-Kithyoko road in Machakos County. He accused opposition leaders of relying on slogans calling for his departure instead of presenting concrete proposals.
Instead, Ruto challenged his rivals to compete through their policy plans and development achievements. He cited government investments in roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, housing, student hostels, markets and dams.
He maintained that insults would not improve livelihoods and urged opponents to offer policies addressing Kenya’s challenges.
Roads, electricity and medical training projects
During the tour, Ruto said the government was investing KSh25 billion in 10 roads across Machakos County. Those projects cover 360 kilometres, while road construction across the three Ukambani counties totals 700 kilometres, he said.
He also announced a KSh800 million investment to connect 10,000 Machakos households to electricity. In Masinga, he said 650 households would receive connections by June 2027.
Meanwhile, Ruto commissioned the Yatta Kenya Medical Training College campus in Matuu, which has 350 students. He said expanding KMTC campuses would create more training opportunities for healthcare workers and support universal healthcare.
Mutua and MPs back closer government ties
Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua also urged the Kamba community to support Ruto. He argued that the administration had distributed national resources more equitably.
Mutua cautioned residents against backing the opposition without weighing the benefits of working with the national government. Several MPs similarly argued that closer cooperation would help secure further road, water and infrastructure investments.
Lawmakers present included Mwengi Mutuse, Vincent Kawaya, Caleb Mule, Charles Nguna and nominated MP Beth Syengo. Yatta MP Basil also attended.
Mutuse, the Kibwezi West MP, additionally criticised Ukambani leaders engaging former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. He questioned what Gachagua, whom MPs impeached in 2024, could offer the community.
