Expectations high in Western Kenya as Ruto tours region

President William Ruto has embarked on a five-day tour of the Western Kenya region, during which he is expected to convene a Cabinet meeting at Kakamega State Lodge on Tuesday.

The meeting is set to review various government programmes and projects being implemented in the region and across the country.

This marks the second Cabinet meeting to be held at Kakamega State Lodge, following the first in August 2023.

The President began his tour on Friday by attending inter-denominational prayers at Cheptais Boys High School in Bungoma.

During the tour, Ruto is expected to inspect several development projects, including those related to the sugar industry, last-mile power connectivity, road networks, water, and market infrastructure in Busia, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Vihiga counties.

As part of his efforts to consolidate support in this vote-rich region, the President is also expected to hold a leaders’ forum.

Ruto’s visit comes in the wake of the merger between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Amani National Congress (ANC) of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, which has resulted in the formation of a new political entity, the United Democratic Alliance Party.

UDA chairperson Cecily Mbarire announced on Friday that Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, who was ANC’s leader, will serve as one of the new party’s deputy leaders.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Timamy will take up the roles of first and second Deputy Party leaders, respectively. Mbarire added that UDA will undertake various post-merger activities, including harmonising shared core values, rebranding, and driving membership recruitment.

“We are extremely pleased as UDA that we have finally completed this process, which was delayed due to several bottlenecks and challenges,” Mbarire said.

However, Ford Kenya has repeatedly stated that while it is open to working with the government, it will not disband. Ford Kenya Secretary-General John Chikati reaffirmed this stance on Saturday, emphasising that the party, as the second oldest in the country, will retain its identity.

“Folding would mean losing our party’s identity and merging with another. Ford Kenya cannot lose its identity. After the 2027 elections, we will assess which other alliance we might join, but for now, we are committed to working with UDA,” Chikati told The Standard.

Chikati also pointed out that Ford Kenya has a large following in the Western region, especially following the absence of ANC.

“With ANC’s departure, we see an opportunity for Ford Kenya to expand and fill the space left behind,” he said.

He urged Ruto to ensure the completion of key projects in the region, such as the Misikhu-Naitiri-Brigadier road, which has stalled.

The President is returning to the region just two weeks after attending the funeral of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula’s mother, an event marked by political fireworks.

During the event, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya faced criticism after making remarks about abductions, with several leaders accusing him of undermining the President.

“Condemning extrajudicial abductions is not an attempt to undermine the President. We all have a responsibility to remind State organs to adhere to the rule of law and constitutional principles,” Natembeya later said.

Natembeya was also criticised for his comments regarding Wetang’ula and Mudavadi, suggesting they had not been proactive in pushing for the region’s development despite holding high office.

“My fellow Luhya leaders and I, alongside like-minded political leaders from other regions, will stand firm and become the voice of the people of Kenya,” he stated.

But former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua praised Natembeya. “The criticism you are facing is clear evidence that you are making an impact by speaking truth to power,” Gachagua said.