Ruto pledges to end Northeastern marginalisation as leaders back his 2027 bid

President William Ruto addressing thousands of residents of the Giriftu, Wajir West, constituency. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

President William Ruto has renewed his pledge to end decades of marginalisation in North Eastern Kenya, declaring that no part of the country will be left behind in his administration's development agenda.

Speaking in Griftu Town, Wajir West Constituency, during an inspection and launch of development projects, the President said his government was committed to ensuring all regions enjoy equal opportunities and access to public services regardless of location.

“People have branded this region names including remote and marginalised. But I am determined to remove all that marginalisation and remoteness so that we develop this part of the country,” Ruto said.

He said communities that have historically lagged behind in infrastructure and public investment would receive focused government attention to unlock their economic potential.

“Under my government, no community will feel marginalised. We are accelerating development projects across the country because every Kenyan deserves equal opportunities regardless of where they live,” he added.

Ruto acknowledged that North Eastern Kenya had for years been excluded from the country's mainstream development agenda, saying his administration was determined to reverse that trend.

“For a long time, this region was treated as if it was not part of Kenya. That is a narrative we are determined to change. That is why I am here in Griftu launching development projects to demonstrate our commitment,” he said.

The President announced that funding for the Modogashe–Matar road had been secured, with procurement processes expected to begin in the coming weeks.

“We are looking for a consultant in June and a contractor in July so that towards the end of August construction works can begin. The project will help connect the 750-kilometre road network that will open up Northern Kenya,” he said.

He pointed to ongoing investments in roads, education, water and health infrastructure as evidence of the government's commitment to transforming the region.

The President's visit also turned into a strong political endorsement rally, with leaders from the region pledging support for his re-election in 2027.

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale declared that North Eastern Kenya would unite behind a single presidential candidate in the next General Election.

“The coming General Election will be different. For the first time, we will only have one presidential candidate to vote for,” Duale said.

He said leaders would embark on an aggressive voter mobilisation campaign across the region, noting that North Eastern Kenya has close to two million voters.

“As leaders, we will mobilise all our people across the region and ensure that anyone with an ID card acquires a voter’s card and votes. When the day comes, those who say we do not have the numbers will be shocked by how we will fill the presidential ballot boxes with votes,” he said.

Duale added that while political contests would take place for other elective positions, the presidency was not up for debate in the region.

“We will contest for all the other elective seats, but not for the presidency. We want the presidential ballot box to be full by 8 a.m.,” he said.

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi echoed the sentiment, saying the region would back the government in 2027 despite its history of voting for opposition candidates.

“Since the beginning of multiparty politics, we have always voted for the opposition. But for the first time, in the 2027 General Election, we will vote 100 percent for the government of the day,” he said.

The governor credited President Ruto with promoting inclusivity and making residents of North Eastern Kenya feel fully integrated into the country.

“The greatest agony of Kenyan Somalis since independence has been that they never felt completely embraced in this country. But we are no longer distant, we are no longer on the periphery, thanks to your presidency,” he said.

Abdullahi, who is also an ODM official, said the party remained firmly within the broad-based government arrangement.

“I am in ODM and an official for that matter, but as a party we do not have any other presidential candidate apart from you. There is no contest for the presidency in North Eastern. We are firmly in the broad-based government as ODM,” he said.

Eldas MP Adan Keynan praised President Ruto for abolishing the controversial vetting process previously required for residents seeking national identity cards in border counties.

“Your Excellency, we are here to celebrate this great milestone courtesy of your presidency, which former presidents could not deliver. Residents of border counties have historically been subjected to extra vetting requirements as a prerequisite for obtaining ID cards. It has been hell on earth for many residents,” he said.

Keynan also lauded ongoing road and rural electrification projects, saying they would spur economic growth and improve livelihoods.

“The tarmac roads will completely change the face of this area, while the electrification programme will spur development. We must always focus on the politics of development,” he said.

The MP added that leaders from ODM and UDA in Wajir would work together to mobilise support for President Ruto ahead of the 2027 elections.

“In Wajir, we will only have ODM and UDA brigades, and all of us will be united in drumming up support for President Ruto,” he said.

President Ruto was accompanied by national and local leaders during the inspection tour of ongoing development projects across Wajir County.

Health CS Aden Duale addressing the residents. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi addressing the residents. /STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Wajir Woman Representaive Fatuma Jehow speaking at the event.

President William Ruto with Wajir leaders in Habswein, Wajir South./STEPHEN ASTARIKO