President William Ruto has challenged his political rivals to present their plans for Kenya, accusing them of relying on ethnic mobilisation, insults and hatred instead of offering solutions to the country's problems.
Ruto said the 2027 General Election would be determined by leaders' development records and proposals for transforming the country rather than tribal affiliations.
He spoke on Tuesday during the second day of his 10-day development tour of the North Rift, where he visited Elgeyo-Marakwet and Baringo counties to inspect and launch projects.
Ruto said Kenyans had moved beyond politics centred on ethnic divisions and personal attacks, challenging the opposition to explain how it would improve livelihoods if elected.
“If the opposition had any agenda on how to transform the country, they would present it to the people,” he said.
“The 2027 General Election will be defined by what leaders have achieved and the plans they offer voters, not insults, propaganda, name-calling or tribal affiliation,” he added.
The President said his administration was investing in infrastructure, electricity, housing and markets to open up historically marginalised areas, particularly the conflict-prone Kerio Valley.
He identified road construction across Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot and Samburu counties as a key intervention to improve security, ease trade and promote lasting peace.
Ruto said the government had allocated Sh4.5 billion for the Kinyach-Kipsaraman road in Baringo County, which will eventually be extended to Kapsowar in Elgeyo-Marakwet.
He spoke while inspecting the construction of the 55-kilometre Kipsaraman-Kinyach road in Baringo North Constituency.
In Elgeyo-Marakwet, Ruto said the government was investing Sh15 billion in affordable housing, nine modern markets and student hostels to accommodate 2,500 learners in technical colleges and Kenya Medical Training College facilities.
He said the national programme targeted 300,000 housing units, 600 modern markets and accommodation for 180,000 students, with the projects expected to create jobs for 1.1 million young people.
Ruto also laid the foundation stone for the Kapyego Modern Market in Marakwet East Constituency, a Sh205 million project designed to accommodate 200 traders.
He said the project had already employed more than 100 workers, including electricians, plumbers, masons, steel fixers, carpenters and engineers.
The President said the government was investing Sh18 billion to construct 270 kilometres of roads in Elgeyo-Marakwet to address transport challenges and stimulate economic activity.
Earlier, he commissioned the 30-kilometre Kipkundul-Kapyego-Kamelei road, built at a cost of Sh2.2 billion, and flagged off a Sh416 million Last Mile Electricity Connectivity project targeting 1,655 households in Kapyego.
Ruto said the government was investing Sh1.6 billion to connect 8,975 residents to electricity across Elgeyo-Marakwet.
He also inspected the Sh700 million renovation of Chebara Complex in Marakwet West, which includes improvements at Chebara Boys High School, Chebara Girls School, Chebara Youth Polytechnic and nearby primary schools. The project was 65.4 per cent complete.
In Baringo, Ruto said the government had committed Sh22 billion to construct 350 kilometres of roads, arguing that improved infrastructure was helping restore security and enable residents to resume economic activities.
He also launched a Sh1 billion electricity connectivity programme targeting 3,329 households, including 723 homes in Baringo North through a Sh162 million investment.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government had restored peace and security in the Kerio Valley and was developing an economic masterplan to create opportunities for residents.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi said the government had connected 1.5 million households to electricity in four years, compared with nine million connections recorded since independence.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Governor Wesley Rotich, his Baringo counterpart Benjamin Cheboi, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and other leaders accompanied the President during the tour.
