Kenya Kwanza leaders tell Uhuru to stay out of politics, act like a statesman

Kenya Kwanza leaders led by Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, President’s aide Farouk Kibet and Taveta MP John Bwire, have called on former President Uhuru Kenyatta to uphold the dignity of the office he served and act like a statesman.

They hit out at the Linda Mwananchi leaders who attended the funeral of the brother of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka, claiming that the group is being used by former President Kenyatta.

They further told the former president to stop supporting the opposition to undermine President William Ruto's administration and frustrate key national development programmes.

Speaking during the Kimilili Women and Youth Economic Empowerment Forum at St John's Miruri Primary School grounds on Sunday, Dr Lusaka challenged the former Head of State to unite the country.

"As a former President, Uhuru Kenyatta should respect the office he once occupied by being a statesman and a unifying force for the country. Uhuru is the only living former President and is expected to offer counsel as a statesman," he said.

The governor further dismissed the opposition's plans to scrap the Kenya Kwanza government’s flagship programmes, including the Affordable Housing Programme, should they assume power.

"Threatening to scrap affordable housing and other completed projects is retrogressive. Development belongs to Kenyans, not to any individual or political party," he said.

Farouk urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and embrace unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

"We say no to tribal leaders and those whose agenda is on shares and they have no agenda or development projects to show Kenyans," he said.

Taveta MP Bwire alleged that Uhuru diverted major road projects to his home area.

“Uhuru diverted major road projects to Thika and the port project meant to start from Mombasa to Naivasha during his tenure,” he claimed.

Lusaka further challenged the United Opposition to name its presidential flag bearer, expressing confidence that President Ruto's development record would earn him a second term.

"Let them unveil their candidate whenever they are ready. President Ruto's track record in transforming the country will speak for itself and guarantee him a resounding victory in 2027," he said.

He urged western Kenya residents to remain firmly behind President Ruto to safeguard the region's development gains, citing ongoing projects, including the Standard Gauge Railway extension with a planned station at Myanga in Bumula, the Rironi–Mau Summit–Malaba dual carriageway, and other strategic infrastructure investments.

"Western Kenya stands to benefit immensely from these transformative projects. We must support President Ruto's re-election to ensure these programmes are completed and that more development reaches our people," Lusaka said.

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa took a swipe at leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accusing them of criticizing government programmes without offering practical solutions to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

"It is not that those in the opposition do not have money. Some of them are very wealthy, but they are mean. I have chosen to share the little I have with my people because leadership is about transforming lives," he said.

He further claimed that the opposition outfit is receiving financial support from former President Kenyatta and was focused on frustrating the Kenya Kwanza administration instead of supporting development initiatives.

Barasa defended President Ruto's development record, saying the Western region had  benefited significantly from government projects since the Kenya Kwanza administration assumed office.

He cited the construction of a modern Sh90 million Huduma Centre in Kimilili, improved road infrastructure, expansion of electricity connectivity and investments in education as some of the achievements that demonstrate the government's commitment to the region.

"Those attempting to discredit the achievements of the Kenya Kwanza government are simply ignoring the facts. Here in Kimilili we have completed a modern Sh90 million Huduma Centre that is now offering essential government services closer to the people. These are tangible projects that everyone can see," he said.