Ukambani will never be in opposition again, Ruto declares

President William Ruto has vowed to do whatever it takes to ensure the Kamba region is part of the government come the next general election.

Ruto said it was unfortunate that for too long the region has remained in the opposition, hence lagging on development as other regions progress.

Kwa vyovyote, mbele na nyuma, kulia na kushoto, juu na chini, hii Ukambani haiwezi kukaa upinzani tena,” he told the residents in Kibwezi, Makueni County, as he commenced his development tour of the region.

(By all means possible, this Ukambani will never again remain in the opposition)

The President admitted that he partly contributed to the region’s political isolation in the past, saying he had neglected it and allowed his opponents to “penetrate and mislead” the people into the opposition.

Without naming names, Ruto appeared to address some leaders, telling residents that he was determined to reclaim the region’s political loyalty.

“Tell them that Ruto has arrived and has said Ukambani is leaving the opposition to join the government,” he said, drawing excitement from the crowd.

“Will you tell them? Will you tell them that you are tired of being in the opposition?” he asked as the crowd responded enthusiastically.

Ruto also aimed at his political rivals, accusing them of lacking a clear plan for development.

He said what the people of Ukambani need are basic services such as water, roads, and electricity, things that can only be delivered by leaders with concrete plans.

“Mtu kama hana mpango, sera, agenda au akili atabadilisha Ukambani namna gani? Atabadilisha namna gani?

(If someone has no plan, policy, agenda, or sense, how will they transform Ukambani? How will they bring change?)

The Head of State further criticised some leaders, saying he said they were fixated on political slogans and power-sharing instead of offering tangible solutions.

“I already warned you, if you keep repeating things like one-term, Kasongo, or must go, you won’t win the votes of these people,” he said.

He also took issue with some leaders, claiming they are focused on sharing the government.

He urged them to instead focus on agenda.

“Na nilishawapigia repoti mkiendelea ati “one-term”, “ati Kasongo” ati “must go” haiwezi kuwapatia kura ya hawa wananchi,” he said.

Ruto, who is accompanied by his Deputy Kithure Kindiki, several Cabinet Secretaries and elected leaders from the region, will camp in the region for four days to launch and commission projects.

On Thursday, he will be in Kitui County, then go to Machakos County on Friday.

On Saturday, he will hold a leaders’ meeting.