UGM warns against linking development to Ruto’s 2027 bid

The United Green Movement (UGM) has urged members of the broad-based government to stop using development projects to lure Nyanza residents into re-electing President William Ruto.

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UGM party leader Agostino Neto and National Organising Secretary Easter Ogweno criticised the ODM Linda Ground faction and UDA politicians for allegedly using development projects as bait for Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election.

During a tour of Homa Bay County on Friday, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki told Nyanza residents to support Ruto’s second-term bid to enable them to receive more development projects in the next government.

A similar appeal has been made by a number of ODM and UDA leaders in Nyanza who support the broad-based government.

Neto said the implementation of development projects is a constitutional right of the people. He argued that it is the government’s constitutional duty to deliver development.

“Kenyans have a constitutional right to receive development from the government. If the government implements development projects, it is fulfilling its constitutional mandate, not doing a favour to the people,” Neto said.

Speaking on Saturday at Rodi Kopany Township in Homa Bay Town Constituency, where they met more than 250 UGM delegates from all 40 wards in Homa Bay County, the leaders urged Nyanza residents not to be swayed by development projects in exchange for political support.

“It is true that the government is undertaking important development projects in Nyanza, but this is not a favour to the people of this region. It is their constitutional right. It should not be used as a basis for seeking presidential votes,” he said.

Neto argued that corruption, which has led to the loss of billions of shillings, is hindering the implementation of development projects in many parts of the country. The former Ndhiwa MP called on Kenyans to elect leaders who can seal loopholes that allow the theft of public resources, saying this would promote development.

“There is a lot of theft in government. This must be curbed to allow development to take place more effectively in Kenya,” Neto said.

The party leader said UGM had resolved to promote constitutionalism in leadership through former Chief Justice David Maraga, whom the party has endorsed as its presidential candidate. He argued that adherence to the Constitution would ensure equitable development across the country.

“The Constitution of Kenya clearly outlines how development should be implemented for the people. If we have a government that follows the Constitution, Kenyans will not have to beg leaders to receive development,” Neto said.

He called on Kenyans to support Maraga, saying he would lead in accordance with the Constitution and promote inclusive development.

Ogweno said the party had begun mobilising Kenyans to understand constitutionalism.

“Let us support Maraga so that we can secure what we deserve as Kenyans under the Constitution,” Ogweno said.

The leaders added that they are making arrangements to mobilise Kenyans on constitutionalism through the Ukatiba Caravan initiative.