Ruto’s Ukambani allies urge Kenyans to reject leaders without development record

President William Ruto’s allies from Ukambani during a women empowerment event in Nairobi/HANDOUT

President William Ruto’s allies from Ukambani have urged Kenyans to reject opposition leaders who, in their view, lack a clear development record.

The remarks have widely been interpreted as a direct attack on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Speaking during a women empowerment event in Nairobi, Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya criticised Kalonzo’s decades-long political career in Ukambani, arguing that he has failed to deliver tangible development in his home region.

“I want to ask the people of Nairobi and Kenyans at large not to elect anyone who has failed to deliver development in their village and region. If they cannot deliver at home, how will they deliver for the entire country?” Kawaya stated.

He added that failing to take such a stand would encourage laziness and complacency among leaders, undermining national progress.

Kawaya emphasised that electing leaders without a strong development focus would send the wrong message and entrench poor leadership nationwide.

He stressed that charity begins at home, highlighting the need for politicians to demonstrate concrete achievements in their constituencies before aspiring to national office.

Former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama echoed Kawaya’s sentiments, urging Kenyans to reject tribal leaders whose politics, he said, are designed to divide the nation rather than unite it.

Similarly, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse criticised opposition figures, labeling them as both tribal and divisive, and called on citizens to vote for leaders with a clear vision for national progress.

Mwala MP Vincent Kawaya during a women empowerment event in Nairobi/HANDOUT

The Ukambani leaders also defended Ruto’s economic transformation agenda, dismissing critics as lacking alternative policies or practical ideas for Kenya’s future.

They pointed to a TIFA survey showing that public support for the broad-based government had doubled from 22 per cent in May to 44 per cent in November, framing this as evidence of growing public confidence in Ruto’s leadership.

“The future of Kenyan politics firmly lies in a broad-based government,” Kawaya said, describing it as the model that promotes inclusive growth, equity, and national cohesion, in contrast to leaders who focus on narrow ethnic or personal interests.

The remarks came shortly after Wiper party issued a statement defending Kalonzo’s integrity, with Secretary General Senator Shakila Abdalla affirming that he is a man of vision and unwavering commitment to the people.

“He is a man who cannot be bought. A man who understands that he serves Kenya, not that Kenya serves him,” the statement read.

Ruto has been attacking Kalonzo, accusing him of aligning with parties prioritising personal gain over national interest and questioning his ability to deliver meaningful development.

The unfolding political exchange has underscored growing tensions ahead of the 2025 elections, with Ukambani emerging as a critical battleground in the contest for political influence and public trust.