Ruto moves to revive waning support in Ukambani

By Newsflash Writer

President William Ruto begins a four-day tour of the Ukambani region this week in what observers see as a high-stakes political mission to revive waning government support and reconnect with a population increasingly disillusioned by stalled projects and unmet promises.

According to a schedule released by UDA Organising Secretary and Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya, the President will kick off his visit in Makueni County on Wednesday, November 12, before heading to Kitui on Thursday and Machakos on Friday. The visit is expected to test Ruto’s ability to consolidate backing in a region that has remained loyal to the opposition for the last three elections.

The President’s recent admission that Kenya is facing an acute power shortage has added a new twist to the visit, as Ukambani leaders point out that the region sits on vast coal deposits that could help ease the crisis. Local leaders accuse Ruto’s political allies of feeding him praise instead of pushing for projects that could transform Ukambani’s economic landscape. Among the projects dominating discussions are the Sh350 billion High Grand Falls Dam and the long-stalled Kitui coal mining venture.

Kalonzo slams Ruto over cancelled projects

The cancellation of the High Grand Falls Dam has reignited resentment in Ukambani, with Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka accusing President Ruto of deliberately sidelining the region. Kalonzo, who co-conceptualised the project with the late President Mwai Kibaki as part of Vision 2030, said the decision to scrap it was politically punitive and detrimental to the Kamba community.

“When Ruto comes to Ukambani, he must explain why he cancelled it,” Kalonzo said during a recent tour of Kitui. He described the cancellation as “a painful slap in the face” for residents, arguing that the dam would have solved perennial water and food shortages. He also warned that Kenya risks losing billions of shillings in compensation to foreign investors who have taken the matter to court.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua and Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu echoed Kalonzo’s sentiments, accusing local UDA and Maendeleo Chap Chap leaders of failing to defend community interests. “The leaders surrounding the President from Ukambani are not helping him. We need roads, but water is our number one priority,” said Mulu.

However, Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua downplayed the criticism, insisting that both the dam and coal projects remain government priorities. “In one of our meetings at State House, we discussed the coal mining project at length, and President Ruto cautioned Kitui East MP Nimrod Mbai against inciting remarks,” Mutua said, assuring residents that the projects would proceed in due course.

Ruto to unveil key projects

During the four-day tour, Ruto is expected to commission and inspect a series of infrastructure projects, including roads, water systems, electricity connections, and affordable housing initiatives. His visit follows a previously postponed tour after the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“The government is committed to unlocking Ukambani’s socio-economic potential through the construction of tarmac roads,” Ruto declared during the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has awarded contracts for six major road projects in Ukambani — four in Kitui County and two in Machakos and Makueni. Key among them is the Mutomo-Mutha-Hola road connecting Kitui to Tana River County, alongside the Kamuwongo-Kandwia section of the Mwingi-Tseikuru road and the Zombe-Chuluni road in Kitui East. Work is also underway on the Sh3.8 billion, 27-kilometre Kwa Siku–Migwani–Mbondoni road in Mwingi West constituency.

Ruto has showcased the recently completed 10,000-seater Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui — built in just four months at a cost of Sh800 million — as evidence of his administration’s commitment to equitable development. Machakos County will benefit from the Kangundo-Mwala road, while Makueni’s Emali-Ukia road will be upgraded to bitumen standards.

The President directed Cabinet Secretaries to fast-track completion of all ongoing road and water projects and announced plans for modern produce markets in Kitui’s eight constituencies, part of 400 being built nationwide. “Our youths will use ICT hubs in these markets to create jobs and access free Wi-Fi, while young mothers will have dedicated breastfeeding areas,” he said.

As Ruto seeks to revive waning government support in Ukambani, his challenge will be convincing residents that his renewed charm offensive translates into tangible development, not just another round of political promises.