Health CS Aden Duale and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo have upped campaigns to rally Muslim and pastoralist communities behind President William Ruto's re-election.
The leaders said Ruto deserves another term for initiating transformative development projects and giving historically marginalised communities unprecedented representation in government.
Speaking during a fundraiser for Somali women's economic empowerment groups in Isiolo, Duale said residents of Northern Kenya had compelling reasons to support Ruto in the August 2027 general election.
"President Ruto has demonstrated that Northern Kenya is part of this country. For the first time, our people are witnessing transformative development projects that will change their lives and open up the region economically,"Duale said.
He cited the 750km Horn of Africa Gateway Road project connecting Isiolo to Mandera through Modogashe as one of the administration's flagship investments.
He also highlighted the Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport corridor road project connecting Lamu to Isiolo through Garissa.
The CS said the projects will improve connectivity, facilitate trade and create employment opportunities in a region that has historically suffered neglect.
Duale further singled out the removal of additional vetting requirements for residents of Northern Kenya seeking national identity cards as a major achievement.
"For many years, our people were subjected to unnecessary vetting before acquiring identification documents. President Ruto has addressed this historical injustice, and we have every reason to support his leadership."
Guyo described the Muslim community's support for Ruto as a "survival strategy", arguing that the administration had accorded the community unprecedented recognition.
The governor said Muslims had secured influential positions in government, including Cabinet appointments, principal secretary positions and leadership of key state agencies.
"For the Muslim community, supporting President Ruto in 2027 is a matter of political survival. This is an administration that has recognised our people and given us a voice at the highest levels of government."
Guyo said several Muslims have been appointed to the Cabinet, principal secretary positions, chief executive officers and directors of government institutions.
He argued that the appointments demonstrated Ruto's commitment to inclusivity and addressing historical marginalisation.
The leaders urged residents to support the continuation of development programmes, warning against divisive politics ahead of the elections.
They appealed for peaceful coexistence among communities and cautioned politicians against exploiting ethnic and religious differences for political gain.
The fundraiser was attended by former Isiolo Governor Godana Doyo, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya, Tana River Woman Representative Amina Dika Abdullahi, Culture Principal Secretary Ummi Bashir, Lafey MP Mohamed Abdi, Ijara MP Abdi Ali and Kinangop MP Zachary Thuku.
The leaders called for greater economic empowerment of women and political unity across Northern Kenya.
