Ruto to confront discontent and his failed promises in South Rift

President William Ruto is actively navigating political discontent in his South Rift political bastion, which has recently seen murmurs of discontent.

He is set to embark on a four-day working tour to rebuild support from Wednesday, September 9 to 12, ahead of the 2027 General Election.

This tour spans two counties, Bomet and Kericho, in the politically significant Kipsigis bastion.

The visit is a carefully calibrated mix of political outreach and developmental showcase, aimed at reinforcing support in a key stronghold from the last election.

The South Rift region has shown signs of restlessness, with many believing it has been sidelined in terms of development since President Ruto ascended to power.

The itinerary underscores the government’s “Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.”

President Ruto will commission completed projects, inspect ongoing initiatives, and launch new ones across the two counties.

These projects span critical sectors: road infrastructure, affordable housing, Health facilities, ESP markets, among other projects, but the Message is clear—the administration is delivering tangible progress, even as it navigates a complex political landscape.

The two vote-rich counties have been a bedrock of Ruto’s electoral success, but a lack of tangible projects has stirred unease among voters.

This tour appears designed to counter that narrative, showcasing a government in action.

Among the highlights are the launch of the Kisyet–Kipyosit–Saparet–Bondet–Kiromwok–Kapkesiego–Njerian–Kaisomo–Kapsimbiri–Kyogong road and the Dr Joyce Laboso Memorial Mother and Child Wellness Centre in Bomet East Sub-County.

Others are Bomet High School; the commissioning of the Kapkoros Sub-County Hospital in Bomet Central Sub-County; the Sh1.25 billion Bomet Teaching and Referral Hospital in Chebunyo ward, Kapkwen, and Chebunyo ESP markets; and Itembe Airstrip.

The President will also commission the Huduma Centre in Sotik and the new County Assembly chamber in Bomet Town, among other projects.

In Kericho County, the President will launch the Mindililwet-Cheptuiyet-Koilsir-Kipkok road, Kipsitet, Sosiot ESP markets, Affordable housing, University of Kabianga Teaching and Referral Hospital, among other projects.                                                

But Bomet residents are optimistic that the president will address stalled projects in the region during his tour.

Some of the projects were initiated by the Jubilee government but remain stalled.

Pauline Kemei of Saseta in Konoin Sub-County said the President should make a clear statement on the status of the projects that have so far stalled.                                         

"Some of these projects were lined up by the Jubilee administration, like Bosto Dam, which has stalled, and the government is launching other projects, and others have stalled, and nobody is talking about it,” said Kemei.

She added that those projects are crucial to the people of Bomet County.

Another resident, Joseph Arap Sanga, said the President should complete the stalled projects.

"The President is coming with goodies to our county, but we know there is also the stalled Bosto dam that is yet to be launched. But let him come out clear on the plans he has for the other stalled projects." Sanga said.

However, Mercy Chebet noted that they will welcome the President as usual, terming it a normal visit by the head of state.

"We have elected leaders, and we hope they will use the opportunity to push the region's development agenda to the President, especially the stalled projects", she said.           

According to Political analyst and former Mayor of the defunct Bomet Municipal Council, Leonard Kipkemoi Barsumei, the President should fulfil all the promises he made in the South Rift region, especially the stalled projects.

"If the president does not fulfil the promises and revive the stalled projects in the region, people will drift away to the opposition," Barsumei said.             

He noted that the region is littered with many stalled projects.

Among the projects residents are complaining about are the stalled Sh41 billion Itare Dam project, the Sh15 billion Bosto Dam, and several stalled market projects.

"People are angry because the president has been launching projects that have all stalled. This turn of events has raised serious questions about his commitment to fulfil his pre-election projects," said Barsumei.

He added: "We had confidence in this government, but the delay in implementing the development project is hurting us."

In Kericho County, the construction of the much-anticipated Londiani Referral Hospital in Londiani, Kipkelion East Constituency, remains elusive despite repeated assurances from President Ruto.

This project, long envisioned as a transformative healthcare milestone for the region, has been characterised by delays and unfulfilled pledges.

Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok called upon residents of the County to turn up in large numbers to welcome President William Ruto during his visit.

Barchok urged wananchi to be calm and peaceful, noting that the County has benefited from several development projects under the current Administration.

The Governor reiterated the need for residents to support the President’s development agenda, warning that lack of cooperation could hinder progress at the grassroots level.

Barchok said the government has lined up major projects for commissioning during the Presidential tour, including Affordable Housing and modern markets.

“In this County, the government has set aside funds for the construction of modern markets such as Kapkwen, Mulot and Chebunyo, which are already underway. Affordable housing projects have also made significant progress,” he said.

He cautioned residents against being incited and urged them to support ongoing development initiatives.

“Let us not be misled or incited against the government and the projects currently underway. These initiatives are meant to improve livelihoods,” he added.

Kericho Governor Erick Mutai dismissed opposition leaders, accusing them of engaging in premature campaigns and incitement.

“We are focused on delivering development projects to wananchi. There is still time before the official campaign period, and we urge leaders to allow the government to work and deliver development,” he said.

Mutai emphasised that hate speech and incitement have no place in society and called for unity and responsible leadership.

These projects align with Ruto’s promise of a “hustler-friendly” economy, though their success will hinge on timely completion and private-sector uptake.

The restless undertones in the South Rift region, fuelled by perceptions of political marginalisation, mean this visit is as much about optics as outcomes.

Completed projects will be celebrated, but ongoing delays, such as the Kerenga Airstrip, Londiani Referral Hospital and Industrial Park at Kapsarok in Soliat ward, could invite scrutiny from a populace keen to see promises fulfilled.

In summary, President Ruto’s South Rift region tour is a high-stakes balancing act. It seeks to cement his administration’s legacy through progress while mending fences in a region critical to his political survival.

Whether it succeeds will depend on how residents weigh the ribbon-cutting against their broader grievances, a dynamic that could shape Kenya’s political landscape as the next election looms.