President William Ruto has praised Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka for acknowledging his government’s development projects, saying God is using the opposition leader to publicize his achievements.
Ruto seized on Kalonzo’s recent remarks that God was using him to develop Ukambani, turning the comments into a political message as he sought support for his 2027 re-election bid.
Speaking on Saturday, October 24, during a four-day development tour of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties, Ruto thanked Kalonzo for recognizing his administration’s efforts, particularly in road construction.
“Jameni, Bwana Kalonzo ako na ukweli. Mahali kazi imefanyika anasema imefanyika,” Ruto said.
The President said that unlike other opposition leaders who constantly criticized his administration, Kalonzo had demonstrated honesty by acknowledging development where it had taken place.
He accused some politicians of deliberately ignoring government projects, even when infrastructure had been constructed near their homes.
Ruto also challenged Ukambani residents to support his re-election in 2027, arguing that his administration had prioritized equitable development regardless of political affiliation.
“Ukambani region has lagged behind in infrastructure and other forms of development because of the bad politics of marginalization and tribalism,” he said.
The President dismissed claims that his administration had failed to deliver, pointing to investments in affordable housing, healthcare, roads, water and agriculture.
“Our development track record in affordable housing, universal healthcare, modern markets, roads, financial inclusion, water and agriculture, among other sectors, speak for itself. The projects are there for all to see,” he said.
He further accused unnamed political opponents of resisting his efforts to distribute national resources equitably.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who accompanied the President, urged Kalonzo to work with the government, claiming his opposition allies could eventually betray him.
The political exchanges came as Ruto announced billions of shillings in infrastructure investments across the region.
In Makueni, the President announced an allocation of Sh11 billion to accelerate construction of Thwake Dam, which he said would be completed by April 2027.
He also launched the Sh1.4 billion Kyambeke-Kyuasini-Ukia road and commissioned the Sh1.5 billion Kyambeke-Kikoko road.
Ruto said the government was investing Sh16 billion in seven roads covering 180 kilometres across Makueni County.
He also issued 6,800 title deeds to residents of Kaiti Constituency.
In Machakos, the President commissioned the Sh1.47 billion Mwala Cluster Water Supply Project, designed to supply 6.6 million litres of water daily to more than 137,000 residents.
An additional Sh500 million investment is expected to extend water access to another 120,000 people.
In Kitui, Ruto launched the tarmacking of the 10-kilometre Kwa Vonza-Kiusyani road, with completion expected within 18 months.
He maintained that no region would be denied development because of its political choices.
“No area or region will be marginalised or neglected because of its political inclination. That is what we mean by Usawa ni Sawa,” Ruto said.
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