President William Ruto has reiterated his administration’s commitment to accelerating development in all regions, dismissing opposition leaders’ claims that certain areas have been overlooked.
On Thursday, as he began a four-day development tour of Western Kenya, President Ruto insisted that no part of the country would be excluded from his agenda for equitable growth.
“My decision is that no region will be left behind in the government’s growth plan. That is why I am travelling to different places to ensure that all Kenyans benefit from the national economy,” he said.
During his last visit, President Ruto inaugurated Butere Level 4 Hospital and initiated the paving of three roads in the Malava, Lugari, and Shinyalu sub-counties.
He announced that the government had earmarked Sh2.5 billion for Kakamega County’s road network, Sh2.2 billion to connect 340,000 new households to electricity, and Sh1 billion to complete Kakamega Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Butere Level 4 Hospital, launched by former Governor Wycliffe Oparanya in 2022, will receive Sh150 million worth of equipment under the National Equipment Service Program, which, according to Dr Ruto, will establish it as a major healthcare hub. The president used the event to launch a scathing attack against opposition leaders, accusing them of manufacturing narratives to derail government programmes.
He dismissed them as individuals lacking any plan or agenda for Kenyans. Dr Ruto said the opposition leaders were only out to undermine his development agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
He took a swipe at former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, describing him as angry and unfit to lead.
“His key mission is to spread hatred, divide Kenyans along ethnic lines, and hurl insults at leaders. Does he think that by shouting ‘One Term … Kasongo,’ he will beat me in 2027?” Ruto said.
"I am focused on delivering development projects to all Kenyans. This is my major agenda for now. I will show them what politics is all about in 2027. The only person who was giving me a headache was my late brother, Raila Odinga. These others are a walkover.”
Area Governor Fernandes Barasa praised Ruto’s commitment to equip the Butere hospital, saying the investment would significantly strengthen healthcare delivery in lower Kakamega.
“I prioritised completion of this hospital because it is key in delivering health services to our people,” Mr Barasa said.
Dr Ruto is also in the region to campaign for David Ndakwa, the UDA candidate in the upcoming Malava parliamentary by-election slated for November 27.
"I worked well with the late MP Malulu Injendi, and that is why I want you to give me Ndakwa who has committed to complete the work that was started by Malulu," said the president.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli and several Cabinet Secretaries rallied behind Mr Ndakwa.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
"I called Ndakwa to my house, alongside elders from each ward, and I endorsed him for this seat. In collaboration with all leaders from Western region who are in the government, we shall ensure Ndakwa clinches victory on November 27," said Mr Atwoli.
Mr Mudavadi downplayed claims leaders from other regions were influencing the polls, saying, “It is the people of Malava who will elect their MP.”
Mr Wetang’ula urged residents to rally behind the UDA candidate, promising an all-out campaign to secure the win.
