President William Ruto has renewed his appeal for cooperation with Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, pledging to upgrade the road leading to the opposition leader’s rural home in Tseikuru as he began a four-day development tour of Ukambani.
Speaking at Mbiuni market in Machakos County on Saturday, October 24, 2026, Ruto said his administration would deliver development projects to residents regardless of their political affiliations.
The President dismissed claims that Ukambani was being sidelined because of its association with the opposition, insisting that residents were entitled to government services like other Kenyans. His tour covers Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties, with road construction, water infrastructure, electricity connectivity and other public projects on the agenda.
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In a pointed message to Kalonzo, Ruto said he would launch the tarmacking of the road leading to the Wiper leader’s rural home in Tseikuru on Monday.
“Niliskia juzi Kalonzo akisema Mungu anatumia huyo mtu kujenga bara bara na nitajenga bara bara ya kuenda Tseikuru,” he said.
He added that both he and Kalonzo were being used by God, saying his role was to build roads while Kalonzo publicised the development work.
Ruto argued that it was unacceptable for a person who had served as Vice President to continue using a dusty road to access his rural home, pledging that his administration would undertake the upgrade.
The planned road works are part of the infrastructure projects scheduled during the President’s regional tour. Reports indicate that the Kandwia-Kyuso-Tseikuru road is expected to be upgraded, with the launch scheduled for Monday.
Despite his development pledges, Ruto also criticised Kalonzo and other opposition leaders, accusing them of obstructing development in Ukambani and engaging in ethnic-based politics.
The President’s remarks come as he seeks to strengthen his political support in a region where Kalonzo has maintained considerable influence.
Ruto has previously expressed interest in working with the Wiper leader. During a church service at ACK St Martin’s Cathedral in Kitui in July, he extended an offer of cooperation and assured residents that his administration would ensure the region received its share of national development.
The latest appeal comes ahead of the 2027 General Election, as political leaders across the country intensify their engagement with voters and potential allies.
Ruto began his tour in Mbiuni, Mwala Constituency, where he commissioned the Mwala Cluster Water Supply Project, aimed at improving access to water in parts of Machakos County.
The wider four-day programme includes road launches and inspections, affordable housing projects, electricity connectivity initiatives and other infrastructure investments across Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.
The President has maintained that government investment should be distributed equitably across the country, irrespective of the political choices made by residents.
During the regional engagements, Ruto also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the healthcare programme was working to ease the burden of medical expenses on Kenyan households.
The President also issued title deeds to residents in Makueni County as part of the government’s land ownership and development agenda.
His Ukambani tour is expected to continue with further project launches, inspections and public engagements before concluding on Tuesday, October 27.
The visit places development commitments and political cooperation at the centre of the government’s engagement with a region that remains an important arena in preparations for the 2027 General Election.
