President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet speaking at RCEA Church Kapsaos in Eldoret
President William Ruto’s troops on Saturday intensified campaigns in Isiolo South, drumming up support for the UDA candidate ahead of the upcoming parliamentary by-election.
Voters in Isiolo South will elect a new MP on February 26 following the death of Mohamed Tubi in November.
His son, Tubi Mohamed Tubi is seeking to replace him, running on the UDA party ticket. He is running against his sister Bina Mohamed Tubi of the Jubilee party and Abduba Fayo who is running on the National Economic Empowerment Party ticket.UDA troops led by Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet on Saturday held rallies in Kinna and Garbatulla wards, urging residents to rally behind Tubi's son Mohamed.
The leaders said Mohamed has a deep understanding of the constituency’s development priorities and will easily complete his late father's agenda.
During the rallies, the Kenya Kwanza leaders turned their
guns on the opposition, accusing its leaders of spreading propaganda, promoting
division, and working against the interests of Isiolo residents.
Farouk told locals that their future was safer within
government ranks than in the opposition, which he accused of opposing key
development programmes rolled out by the current administration.
“Those people in the so-called United Opposition are saying
that if they win this election, they will take away the identity cards that
this government issued to you,” Farouk claimed.
The President’s aide defended government flagship projects such as the affordable housing programme, saying the opposition was keen to scrap initiatives that were already transforming lives and creating jobs.
“The main problem they have with the President is that he
has built roads that have reached places that had never seen tarmac before,” Farouk said, adding that the opposition thrives on lies, fear-mongering, and
negative ethnicity.
He urged residents to vote for Mohamed, saying the UDA
candidate has the capacity and leadership credentials to advance development in
Isiolo South.
Governor Guyo echoed the sentiments, describing Mohamed as the
best candidate to continue his father’s legacy and champion the needs of the
local community.
“In honour of the late MP and his family, I urge you to
elect Tubi. A vote for Tubi is a vote for continuity, family and progress in
Isiolo South,” the governor said.
Guyo declared Isiolo a stronghold of UDA and President Ruto,
warning that those attempting to challenge the ruling party’s dominance in the
county would be “shocked at the ballot.”
He reaffirmed his unwavering support for
President Ruto’s administration, citing inclusive governance and development
gains for Isiolo county.
The governor credited the Kenya Kwanza administration with opening up
the region through infrastructure and social services, citing road projects,
housing developments and the issuance of national identity cards without what
he termed discriminatory vetting.
“As the Governor of Isiolo, I fully support President Ruto’s
administration for the good deeds he has done for our people. We are witnessing
improved infrastructure and fair representation of Isiolo residents in key
government positions,” Guyo said.
The Governor cited several Isiolo residents who have been appointed
to senior national roles, saying it is a testament to the President’s love for the county.
They include National Gender and Equality Commission chairperson Rehema Jaldessa, Petroleum PS Mohammed Liban, Sports, Arts and Social Development Fund CEO Nur Mohammed, Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital CEO Zainab Gura, and Environmental Complaints Committee chairperson Godana Doyo among others.
Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya said the community
had already resolved to back Mohamed following consultations involving elders,
women, youth and elected leaders.
“Following the passing of Hon. Mohamed Tubi, the people of
Isiolo unanimously agreed to endorse his son Tubi Mohamed Tubi, to
complete his father’s term and legacy,” Bonaya said.
She called on residents to turn out in large numbers on
February 26 to vote for the UDA candidate.
Later, the leaders attended an infrastructure support
harambee for Algani Girls High School, where Sh10 million was raised to boost
learning facilities.
A pledge was also made to purchase a school bus, while the woman representative committed her office to provide a 50-KVA power generator
worth Sh2 million in the next financial year.
“This is leadership rooted in unity, development, and
promises kept,” Bonaya said.
Other leaders present included Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Saku MP
Dido Raso, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, Moyale MP Prof Guyo Jaldesa, Tana
River Woman Representative Amina Dika, former governors Godana Doyo and Hussein
Dado, as well as county speakers from Isiolo and Tana River.
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The intensified campaigns highlight an aggressive Kenya
Kwanza push to consolidate political dominance in Isiolo South ahead of the
by-election, blending development messaging with attacks on the
opposition. UDA leaders frame the contest as a choice between government-backed
progress and opposition-led uncertainty, while leveraging sympathy, lineage
politics, and identity narratives to rally voters. Accusations of religious
profiling and sabotage of development projects aim to delegitimise rivals and
energise the base. The campaign also showcases patronage politics through
public pledges and fundraisers to reinforce loyalty.
