There was a stark contrast in how leaders and residents travelled to a forum attended by President William Ruto in Mandera, an aspect that got Kenyans online talking.
In a viral clip seen by TNX Africa, leaders from Northern Kenya were aboard a plane, headed to Mandera County for a Women Empowerment programme.
President Ruto also arrived at Mandera Stadium aboard a Kenya Air Force plane.
In contrast, residents attending the political event travelled by bus.
Footage trending on X showed a customised white bus dubbed “Untouchable” navigating a muddy dirt road.
The images drew widespread attention on social media, with users sharing mixed reactions.
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This video makes you sad. The Northern leaders travelling by air accompanying the President to mandera versus their electorate travelling by road. pic.twitter.com/nJaFUqP1il
— Abdihakim Keinan (@AbdihakimKeinan) April 20, 2026
On X, Francis Mutegi wrote, “Unfortunately, most of the leaders are like that. If the county governments are really interested in changing this part of Kenya, they can. But I don't think they care very much. We live in a 'savage capitalism society'.”
Another user, Kyalo, added, “How do you wake up so early to go and vote for a leader who stays in Nairobi all the time?”
User Esubu argued, “Flying in choppers while their voters struggle with mud and dust is the peak of hypocrisy. How do you lead people whose daily reality you are literally flying over? If we don't teach the next generation the logic to demand real development instead of just "airport promises," we’ll be stuck in this loop forever. Without a strategy, we’re just flying blind.”
President Ruto recently outlined a vision to modernise Northern Kenya at a celebratory event for MP Ahmed Hassan, including a key proposal, the construction of a new airport in Mandera.
“Just like other parts of the country, Mandera will have an airport. We will walk this journey together with Banisa, Northern Kenya, and the whole country,” he said.
He also announced funding for community and religious projects, including a Sh10 million allocation to build a mosque in Banisa.
In a lighthearted moment, he asked Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale to add Sh2 million to the project.
Additionally, the President unveiled a Sh600 million housing project for Banisa and Mandera, which will include the construction of 9 housing units to improve living conditions and create jobs.
At Mandera Stadium, he also presided over a major event focused on women’s empowerment and introduced initiatives such as the NYOTA start-up capital disbursement programme, aimed at supporting youth and small businesses.