MPs from the Western region have pledged closer political cooperation with the Rift Valley to ensure President William Ruto secures a second term in office.
The legislators, including Lurambi MP Titus Khamala and Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, said the Luhya and Kalenjin communities share strong ties as neighbours and would stand together behind Ruto in the next election.
Khamala said the President’s recent tour of the Western region brought significant development gains, which have strengthened local support for his re-election.
“If you go to Kakamega now, many residents are talking about two terms for Ruto because he has transformed our region through development programmes,” he said.
Wangwe said the Rift Valley was fortunate to produce Kenya’s fifth president, saying the Luhya community hoped to take over the leadership once Ruto completes his second term.
The MPs spoke in Chepsaita, Uasin Gishu, during an inter-denominational prayer service to dedicate the course for the December 6th Great Chepsaita Cross Country race.
President Ruto’s aide and race patron Farouk Kibet also attended the event.
During the ceremony, Malava UDA candidate David Ndakwa expressed confidence of winning the upcoming by-election, arguing that his rivals had no development agenda for the area.
“I will defeat my opponents very early on November 27th during the by-election so that we work with the government to develop Malava,” Ndakwa said.
Clergy members present prayed for Ndakwa as Farouk and the MPs urged residents to vote for the UDA candidate.
Ndakwa thanked Ruto, Farouk and the MPs for their support during the campaign.
“I am sure that with this teamwork, we will win on November 27th,” he said.
Ndakwa will face eight other candidates, including Seth Panyako of DAP-K.
Farouk lauded Western region leaders for supporting Ruto and his administration.
“We have many good leaders in Western like Bishop Khamala and Wangwe who have refused to join the other side of tribalists and are supporting Ruto,” he said.
He pointed out the close political relationship between Western and Rift Valley communities, describing them as good neighbours united by shared interests.
Farouk also urged Kenyans to register with the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying it offers solutions to the country’s health challenges. However, he cautioned SHA managers against corruption and mismanagement.
“Our people should not suffer when SHA is well-resourced to ensure Kenyans enjoy quality healthcare,” he said.
Farouk lamented some county hospitals in Uasin Gishu were operating without essential drugs and urged the county administration to address the issue.
He said the Chepsaita Cross Country race plays a vital role in identifying and nurturing talent while supporting education initiatives.
Khamala led residents in chanting “two terms” in support of Ruto’s re-election bid.
