President William Ruto at St. Martin’s Cathedral on Sunday/HANDOUT
President William Ruto on Sunday launched a political charm
offensive in Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s Ukambani backyard ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ruto declared that although he cannot force Kalonzo to work
with his government, he will ensure the region is not left behind in
development under his administration.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Martin's
Cathedral in Kitui county, Ruto said his administration was committed to
serving all Kenyans regardless of how they voted in the 2022 polls, insisting
development would not be determined by political affiliation.
"It is my wish to work with everybody. Of course, you
cannot force people to work with you. Some have decided they do not want to
work with us, and that is their decision," the President said.
The remarks are widely seen as directed at Kalonzo, one of
the government's fiercest critics and a key opposition leader.
Kitui is regarded as Kalonzo's political stronghold, making
Ruto's visit and message particularly significant as political realignments
gather pace ahead of 2027.
The President defended his decision to form the broad-based
government, saying it was meant to unite the country and eliminate political
exclusion.
"I have made a commitment that we are going to work
with everybody in the Republic of Kenya. That is why I formed the broad-based
government to unite all Kenyans who have the will to work together," he
said.
Ruto assured residents that despite their region largely
supporting the opposition, they remained an integral part of his
administration.
"This is your government. I will work for you. You have
your place in this government now and in the future," he said.
He added that his administration had deliberately
prioritised projects in Kitui and the wider Ukambani region to ensure they
benefit from national development.
"The development we are undertaking across Kenya has
placed Kitui and Ukambani at the centre. We want to move together as one
nation."
Ruto announced the construction of several roads in
the county, including one in Tseikuru, Kalonzo's home area, saying
infrastructure development would continue across the region regardless of
politics.
Ruto dismissed criticism from those questioning why he was
launching projects in areas that did not overwhelmingly support him during the
last election.
"People ask why I am launching projects in places where
I did not get many votes. I am the President of all Kenyans. We are building
every part of Kenya because that is what leadership demands," he said.
Drawing from biblical teachings, Ruto urged Kenyans
to reject tribalism, hatred and political divisions, arguing that unity was
essential for economic progress.
"The word of God teaches us that where there is unity,
God commands a blessing. We must remove hatred, tribalism, division and
exclusion if we want our country to prosper," he said.
Ruto also reminded residents that he had visited Kitui
shortly after the 2022 elections and pledged to maintain a close relationship
with the region.
"I told you to get used to me because I will keep
coming. I will not leave you behind by any means. Ukambani has been left behind
for a long time, and I cannot allow that to continue when I am President."
He maintained that every Kenyan contributes to the country's
development through taxes and therefore deserves an equal share of government
resources.
"People in Kitui pay taxes just like every other
Kenyan. Development must reach every corner of this country," he said.
The President blamed years of divisive politics for slowing
development in Ukambani, saying leaders should focus on cooperation instead of
political rivalry.
"We have practised bad politics for many years, and it
has held this country back. If we work together, every region will benefit, and
no part of Kenya will be left behind," he said.
He was accompanied by several government officers
and MPs from the Ukambani region.
They include Labour CS Alfred Mutua, Livestock PS Jonathan Mueke and Aviation PS Teresia Mbaika.
Mutua described Ruto as the best person the country can ever
have to implement development projects and transform the country.
“He is our Mbappe. He is our Messi. You are best Kenya can
ever have,” he said.
Former Kitui Senator David Musila declared that the region
will not follow an ‘individual’ but development.
“We have said, and decided that we don’t want WANTAM here. For 20 years, we have suffered as Ukambani. The only way to get development is to follow where development is,” he said.
