National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged boda boda riders across the country to spearhead a nationwide voter registration drive while mobilizing support for President William Ruto’s re-election ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment programme at Satoo Grounds in Taveta Constituency on Friday, Wetang’ula described boda boda operators as influential grassroots mobilizers because of their daily interactions with millions of Kenyans in both urban and rural areas.
He called on the riders to encourage eligible citizens who already possess National Identity Cards but are yet to register with the IEBC to do so once the voter registration exercise resumes.
“You carry passengers every day in towns and villages. Whenever you transport someone, remind those who have identity cards but have not registered as voters to enlist with the IEBC,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker also urged the riders to champion President Ruto’s second-term bid, arguing that the Kenya Kwanza administration has delivered tangible development projects across the country that justify another five years in office.
Wetang’ula defended the President’s frequent tours, saying they are aimed at inspecting and launching development projects rather than engaging in political campaigns.
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He cited the Affordable Housing Programme, construction of markets, roads and schools, expansion of public infrastructure, and the recruitment of teachers as some of the administration’s major achievements since taking office in 2022.
According to the Speaker, the government has employed approximately 100,000 teachers over the past three years and plans to recruit an additional 24,000 teachers during the current financial year.
“We are reminding Kenyans that President Ruto’s work can be seen across the country. His development record speaks for itself, and that is why we are asking Kenyans to give him a second term,” he said.
Wetang’ula also highlighted key projects underway in Taita-Taveta County, including the rehabilitation of the Voi-Taveta railway line, construction of roads linking the county to Moshi in Tanzania and Kajiado County, as well as affordable housing developments that he would stimulate trade and tourism.
Without naming specific individuals, the Speaker criticized leaders who have recently urged foreign tourists to avoid visiting Kenya, warning that such statements undermine the country’s tourism sector and threaten livelihoods.
“Taita- Taveta depends heavily on tourism. Discouraging visitors from coming to Kenya is sabotaging the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans working in hotels, tour companies and small businesses that depend on the sector,” he stated.
Wetang’ula further urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and embrace national unity, emphasizing that no citizen should face discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or race.
He also warned financial institutions accused of imposing excessive interest rates on boda boda motorcycle loans, saying the government would take measures to protect operators from exploitative lending practices.
“You cannot lend money and expect interest that is several times the principal amount. The government will protect boda boda riders because they are a critical part of Kenya’s transport sector,” he said.
The Speaker expressed confidence that President Ruto would secure victory in the 2027 General Election, urging the opposition to prepare for defeat at the ballot.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also campaigned for President Ruto, dismissing efforts by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to win support in the Mount Kenya region.
Ruku maintained that the region remains firmly aligned with the Kenya Kwanza administration, noting that it continues to hold key positions in government, including the Deputy President, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and heads of state corporations.
“We fought for independence together, supported Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, and in 2022 we elected President William Ruto. We shall remain together and re-elect him,” Ruku said.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro announced that Coast leaders would embark on a voter registration campaign targeting more than one million new voters ahead of the next election.
“We want our people to register as voters because numbers matter. A higher voter turnout will give the Coast region greater influence in the next administration,” Mung’aro said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot accused opposition leaders of lacking a clear development agenda, while Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi criticized remarks discouraging international tourists from visiting Kenya, saying tourism should never become a casualty of political competition.
Mwingi West MP Mwengi Mutuse argued that opposition to President Ruto stems from his administration’s efforts to distribute development projects equitably across the country, while Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe predicted the President would comfortably retain power in 2027.
Other leaders who attended the event included Kaloleni MP Paul Katana, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Mwatate MP Peter Shake, Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, Nambale MP Godfrey Mulanya and Magarini MP Harrison Kombe.
