Inside Ruto’s Western Kenya charm offensive to counter political rivals
President William Ruto .
President William Ruto on Monday embarked on an extensive tour of Western Kenya in a carefully choreographed political move that observers interpret as part of the broader effort to consolidate support and counter his rivals in his bid for a second term.
In the five-day tour cum political blitz, the President is scheduled to visit Busia, Bungoma, Kakamega and Vihiga in his latest incursion targeting the ‘Mulembe nation’.
The Head of State will later camp in Gusii region next week for three days starting March 29 to 31, with a plan to tour Kisii and Nyamira counties.
In Kisii, Dr Ruto will be handing over the Modern Shabana Football Club bus, launching several road networks, Gusii Stadium upgrade, last-mile power connectivity and affordable housing projects among other projects.
The president’s visit comes after the United Opposition camped in the Gusii region urging the electorate to support them in their quest to oust Ruto come 2027.
The Head of State’s visit in the vote-rich Western region also comes weeks after the Orange Democratic Movement Party faction of the Linda Mwananchi stormed Busia, Vihiga and Kakamega counties urging their supporters not to give Ruto a second chance.
The team led by ODM Secretary-General Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Embakassi East MP Babu Owino believe Dr Ruto has failed in various sectors and also reneged on the 10-point agenda agreed upon with the late Raila Odinga.
And in the next two weeks, Dr Ruto will be on the ground to fight this wave attempting to stop him from getting a second term.
He arrived in Kakamega on Sunday ahead of his development tour where he inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion works at Kakamega Airstrip, a key project that will strengthen regional air connectivity and support trade and tourism.
And on Monday, he was in Busia, where he launched various development projects including the construction of the 13-kilometre Nangina–Sio Port–Okados–Mundere Road in Busia County, a Sh860 million project that will link Funyula and Budalang’i constituencies and unlock trade and economic activity across the region.
Still in Busia, he laid the foundation stone for the Budalang’i Modern Market, a Sh130 million investment that will ensure women and young people have a safe, dignified, and well-equipped place to do business.
Sh2.37bn power project
He later launched the construction of the Matayos-Namusira-Nasewa Road in Matayos Constituency before flying to Nderema Village, Mumias East Constituency in Kakamega County, where he launched Last Mile Connectivity which will bring electricity to 161 homes at cost of Sh12.7 million.
In total, the President said the government is investing Sh2.37 billion to connect more than 36,700 households to power in the county and later laid the foundation stone for the Sh270 million Malaha modern market, one of 24 such projects the government is implementing across the county at a cost of over Sh4.4 billion.
Still in Kakamega County, the President broke ground for the rehabilitation and solarisation of the Shitoli Water Project in Ikolomani Constituency.
The Sh212 million project is being implemented by the Lake Victoria Water Works Development Agency and will provide reliable and sustainable water supply to more than 45,000 residents, improving access to clean water and supporting livelihoods.
He then hopped to Sabatia Constituency in Vihiga County, where he launched the rehabilitation of the 11km Chavaki–Lusiola and Shikumu–Malinya roads at a cost of Sh953 million.
The president’s strategy is countering his rivals through development.
“We have a clear and demonstrable track record in delivering housing, health, education, roads, and other critical infrastructure. Across the country, we are transforming the delivery of development to the people of Kenya, ensuring that progress reaches every sector and every community, leaving no one behind. Our plan is credible, practical, and proven through decisive action,” said Dr Ruto.
The president accused his rivals from the opposition of empty sloganeering instead of telling the people what they want to deliver once elected.
Dr Ruto on Monday said he will not be distracted from delivering on what he promised, defending his mega projects and plan to move the country to a first world one.
The President said Kenyans can differentiate between development conscious leaders and political theatre.
“The people of Kenya are not foolish. They can see through the empty sloganeering of our competitors. When the time comes, they will deliver their verdict on who truly has the better plan for the country. This is my track record. Show us your track record,” Dr Ruto told his rivals.
In all these county visits, Dr Ruto was accompanied by Governors Paul Otuoma (Busia), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga) Fernandez Barasa and MPs from the Western region.
Cabinet Secretaries Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMES) and Alice Wahome (Lands and Housing), MPs and other leaders accompanied the President.
In the developmental tour that was full of political rhetoric, Dr Ruto also wooed the voters using marginalization as a tool.
He was assuring them that for many years the Western Region has been neglected when it comes to development, something he stressed that he wanted to change.
He noted national transformation has been delayed and slowed down by leaders without vision.
“For many years, Kenya’s development was slowed by leadership that lacked vision. That era is behind us. Today, we are moving the country forward with deliberate investments in critical sectors, ensuring that no part of our nation is left behind,” said Dr Ruto.
He also drummed up support for the broad-based government asking the electorate to back his working relationship with ODM to form the next government.
The president continues with his tour of Western tomorrow and will also be in Kisumu on Saturday, for the launch of the extension of Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha to Kisumu, an event that will be graced by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and over 20, 000 people expected to attend.
Separately, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has once again hit out at leaders in the united opposition and told them to forget the presidency in the 2027 General Election.
He said the leaders had nothing to offer in terms of development and Kenyans will reject them.
"They should know that President William Ruto will be a two term Head of State whether they like it or not," he said.
Speaking in Runyenjes Constituency in Embu as he inspected various development projects initiated and funded by the government, Prof Kindiki said "we will have something to show in terms of development and Kenyans will give President Ruto a second term."
The DP assured coffee farmers that they will earn more following enactment of the Coffee Act.
He also expressed the government's interest to invest adequate funds and rolling out key policies to develop the sub-sector so that farmers can reap maximum benefits from their investments, adding that the government will ensure success of the ongoing coffee reforms.
“The President signed into law the Coffee Act last week. We now have the best legal framework to continue rolling out coffee reforms. We are streamlining the sector to improve income for farmers,” the DP said.
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