Former Cabinet Minister Linah Kilimo./HANDOUT
Former Cabinet Minister Linah Kilimo has pledged to revive the stalled Tot-Kolowa irrigation project if elected Marakwet East MP in the 2027 General Election.
Kilimo said the project, which collapsed about 15 years ago, had played a critical role in improving food security, boosting farming and promoting peace between communities living along the Kerio Valley.
Speaking at Sambalat Catholic Church in Endo Ward, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on Sunday, Kilimo said restoring the irrigation scheme would help unlock the region’s agricultural potential and create new economic opportunities for residents.
“Expanding irrigation schemes such as those at Tot and Kolowa will help farmers shift back to active food production and agribusiness,” she said.
The event was attended by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, Senator William Kisang and Marakwet East MP Kangogo Bowen, among other leaders.
Former Cabinet Minister Linah Kilimo./HANDOUT
She recalled that the irrigation scheme had not only improved food production but also brought together members of the Pokot and Marakwet communities, helping foster peaceful coexistence within the Kerio Valley.
Kilimo praised President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for their efforts in tackling banditry and cattle rustling, which she said had for years undermined development in the region.
“I want to sincerely thank the President and the CS Interior for working tirelessly to contain insecurity, which has led to loss of lives and livestock, besides undermining development of education, health and infrastructure along the valley,” she said.
She welcomed what she described as a shift from security operations to long-term economic development, saying improved security had created an opportunity for the government to invest in infrastructure, agriculture and education.
“The improved safety and reduced banditry have now allowed the government to roll out a master plan focusing on infrastructure, agriculture and education to uplift the region. This is impressive,” Kilimo said.
She urged residents and local leaders to sustain peacebuilding efforts, arguing that the Kerio Valley has enormous agricultural potential that could transform livelihoods if fully exploited.
Kilimo encouraged farmers to take advantage of the improved security and ongoing rains to engage in farming and other income-generating activities.
“Now that the government is taking long-term action to keep Kerio Valley safe, residents should take advantage of the situation to engage in income-generating activities, including farming during this rainy season to plant short-term crops,” she said.
On her political comeback, Kilimo dismissed criticism from opponents questioning why she was returning to politics, saying the decision ultimately rests with voters.
She said her record as Marakwet East MP between 2002 and 2013 remained her strongest defence against her critics.
“Some of my opponents are criticising my return to politics, wondering what I forgot in Parliament. I want to tell them that it is the people who are missing my leadership because of what I did for them between 2002 and 2013 when I served them as their MP,” she said.
Kilimo challenged her opponents to focus on what they would offer voters in 2027 rather than questioning her decision to seek elective office again.
She said her return was in response to calls from residents who want her to reclaim the Marakwet East seat and continue with her development agenda.
