President turns up the heat on critics during his tour of Homa Bay

President William Ruto on Sunday maintained his hardline rhetoric, during the third day of his Nyanza development tour in Homa Bay and stayed true to his word to confront critics head-on.

The President had on Friday vowed to respond robustly to his detractors—including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his United Opposition allies Martha Karua, Kalonzo Musyoka and Fred Matiang’i.

On Sunday, he reiterated his stance that he would no longer remain silent in the face of sustained criticism.

“We are just getting started. I have resolved to dedicate one percent of my time to dealing with my opponents until they understand. Ninety-nine percent will be devoted to development: building railways, roads, advancing agriculture and education, but one per cent is sufficient to address them,” he declared.

He maintained that his opponents had spent two years criticising him while he chose restraint—an approach he now appears determined to abandon, despite concerns raised by members of the clergy over what they describe as a troubling rise in verbal hostility within the political sphere. At Oyombe, Dr Ruto sharpened his tone, directly responding to his critics. ODM, led by national chairperson Gladys Wanga, rallied behind him, pledging to stand in his defence.

National Assembly Minority leader Junet Mohamed joined the President’s camp in a moment of political theatre, referring to Mr Gachagua as “yule jamaa wa kufunga long’i kwa tumbo”—a remark echoing earlier comments by Dr Ruto regarding opposition leaders and their habits. The leaders were inspecting the ongoing construction of the Adiedo–Karabok road when the exchanges unfolded, turning a development tour into a stage for political contestation.

The President declared himself ready to face the opposition, accusing them of being fixated on his leadership. “If your problem is me, then I am ready for you,” he said, branding his critics as a “good-for-nothing opposition.”

Mr Gachagua and his allies have styled themselves as the United Alternative Government, but the President dismissed the grouping as devoid of vision: “We have no time to waste with people who have no agenda. Kenyans are focused and must move this country to the next level.”

Earlier at an interdenominational prayer service at Agoro Sare High School, Dr Ruto struck a markedly different tone, speaking exclusively about development plans for Homa Bay, perhaps in deference to Kisumu Catholic Archbishop Maurice Muhatia’s call for restraint and decorum among leaders.

Back at the roadside inspection, the gloves were off once more. Dr Ruto accused the opposition of lacking both a coherent agenda and the capacity to govern, singling out his former deputy for criticism. “He was a one-term Member of Parliament who made no contribution to debate, sponsored no motion and introduced no bill. That is five years lost,” he said.

He accused Mr Gachagua of lacking a credible track record, saying he pursues divisive politics and cannot deliver on key assignments, including reforms in the coffee sector. “He became an extortionist. He cannot lead anything. He represents nothing but division,” Dr Ruto said.

He also levelled accusations of involvement in questionable tender processes, insisting that his administration would only engage firms with credible histories.

Governor Wanga, borrowing from Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho’s popular Swahili phrases, struck a defiant tone, declaring her readiness to defend the President against criticism, including personal attacks.

“We have no time for leaders who seek to divide Kenyans. We are ready to respond, word for word, when the President is attacked,” she said.

She further accused the opposition of attempting to sideline the Nyanza region from development opportunities.

Junet Mohamed, for his part, argued that Mr Gachagua’s impeachment reflected failures in leadership and vowed to pursue political measures to limit his influence.

Amid the charged political exchanges, the President also sought to anchor his visit in development. Campaign undertones were unmistakable, with repeated calls for support for a second term in office, even as he outlined plans to revitalise the blue economy around Lake Victoria.

He pledged increased investment in fishing, including the Kabonyo Kanyagwal Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre of Excellence in Kisumu County, the construction of fish landing sites, a rescue centre, and the acquisition of rescue boats.

“We want Lake Victoria to unlock the value of our resources. That is why we are committing significant resources to the blue economy,” he explained.

Logistics hub

On infrastructure, the President defended flagship projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway, describing it as the most significant undertaking in the country’s transport network. He noted that its expansion would connect Kenya to regional markets, including the DRC and Uganda, while positioning Kisumu as a logistics hub.

He also announced plans for affordable housing projects in Oyugis Town, Rodi Kopany, Kendu Bay, Rangwe, Kamata in Ndhiwa and Magunga in Suba, each valued at Sh1 billion.

Road infrastructure remains a central pillar of the administration’s agenda, with commitments to complete the Kadel Kanyadhiang ring road in Rachuonyo North, the Mbita–Sindo–Magunga–Sori road in Suba, and the Gor Mahia ring road in Ndhiwa.

“We will also commence construction of the Lake Victoria ring road within the current financial year,” Dr Ruto said.

He directed Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to work closely with Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir to ensure timely delivery of priority projects.

“I work with Mbadi with ease. He is sharp and understands both governance and politics. Let him coordinate with Chirchir to ensure these roads are delivered,” the President added.

Mr Mbadi, in his remarks, affirmed the region’s political alignment with the President, expressing confidence in his re-election prospects.

“We will give you a second term. This region must produce the next president after you. You are leading us forward,” he said.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ framed Dr Ruto’s development agenda as consistent with long-standing proposals by Raila Odinga, suggesting continuity rather than contradiction.

“President Ruto is implementing what Raila Odinga would have done—extending the railway, improving infrastructure. If he is delivering, why not give him another chance?” he posed.

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Governor Wanga defended the region’s participation in the broad-based government, describing it as a deliberate strategy to accelerate development.

“We are in this arrangement consciously. Our priority is partnership with the national government for the benefit of our people,” she said.

Kasipul MP Boyd Were credited the broad-based model with enabling leaders to more effectively showcase development gains on the ground.

“Broad-based government is the way forward. It allows us to point to tangible progress within our communities,” he said.

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