Ruto on Gusii projects blitz with eye on 2027

President William Ruto addresses the crowd in Kisii. [PCS] President William Ruto yesterday unveiled several projects in Gusii as he dangled a development carrot to win the region's support in next year's election. The President, who was in the region for the second day, toured government projects in North and West Mugirango constituencies in Nyamira County before visiting Kitutu Chache North and Kitutu Chache South in Kisii County, where he inspected and commissioned projects. Among the projects the President will commission is the expansion of the Suneka Airstrip, which is situated in Bonchari Constituency, the last mile connectivity of water supply at Keumbu and the construction of the Mogonga Market at the border of Bomachoge Chache and Bomachoge Borabu constituencies. The constituencies where the projects are located are largely represented by his allies. Ruto promised to spend more than Sh2 billion in new development initiatives in North Mugirango and West Mugirango constituencies. They include Sh300 million for the Standard Gauge Railway Station at Ikonge, Sh30 million for Ikonge Police Station, Sh500 million for Nyamira University, Sh450 million for last-mile water connectivity in Nyamira Municipality, Sh20 million for two Nyamira schools and Sh1 billion for Nyamira County Referral Hospital. Constituencies which Ruto is not expected to visit include Kitutu Masaba, Borabu, Bobasi and Kitutu Chache South, which are represented by his critics. During the tour, Ruto criticised the opposition, saying its leaders were clueless and had no plans for the country. President Ruto received by Kisii County leaders at Nyakoe, Kitutu Chache South during the commissioning of Nyakoe modern market. [Sammy Omingo, Standard] He said his opponents cannot match him politically and in terms of development record. "They say they want me out but in your right judgement, do you see anyone who can match me? Who among them is of my size?" he posed. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who accompanied him during the tour, dismissed the opposition as a tribal grouping. "We live in a united country and we don't wish to be divided along tribal lines. All the leaders who think they can succeed in dividing us as a nation should be informed that we are growing strong in our resolve for a united Kenya," Kindiki said. Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo said he supported the President's development efforts. Ruto's critics have accused him of marginalising areas represented by politicians who are opposed to his re-election. Projects as carrots "When the President uses projects as carrots to Kenyans, he misses the point. Development is for all Kenyans and every constituency is entitled to its fair share from the national government," said Jubilee chairman Vincent Kemosi. "Showing partiality in administering national resources is a display of poor leadership devoid of ideals of unification of the country," Kemosi added. Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda had earlier told a rally that MPs opposed to the President will not be considered for projects. "If the MP is 'mteja'(unavailable), his area will remain behind in development," Jhanda said. Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, who is a former Kitutu Masaba MP, said constituency representatives have an obligation to table the needs of their people for consideration. "An MP has immense powers to influence Presidential decisions on development projects that their people may require. But if he is one abusing the President and not wanting to sit with him to have a special share for his people, then his area will remain disadvantaged," Mose said.

Ruto on Gusii projects blitz with eye on 2027

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