Residents of Western have been urged to support President William Ruto’s re-election bit as a way of reciprocating the development projects and government appointments the region has received from his administration.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula said Ruto’s government has been responsive to the welfare of Western and called on residents to back him for a second term to allow him to complete projects already initiated in the region.
“If there is a region that has reaped significant benefits in terms of development, then it is Western Kenya. We should support Ruto for another term so that he finishes what his government started,” Wetang’ula said.
He cited the tarmacking of roads, construction of modern markets and affordable housing among projects undertaken by the government.
He also pointed to the planned extension of the Standard Gauge Railway through Bungoma, with a station at Mianga in Bumula constituency, saying it will open up the county to trade, investment and economic opportunities.
Wetang’ula spoke at St Peters Mungore ACK Parish in Bumula constituency, Bungoma County, during a funds drive to support construction of a vicar’s residence.
His appeal comes as leaders in region continue to campaign for Ruto’s reelection.
Wetang’ula said the region had a stake in government, citing locals who are serving in senior state positions.
“This is indeed our government. We are part and parcel of it, and we should not listen to those seeking to take us to the opposition. We must remain engaged and ensure that the benefits of government reach the people at the grassroots,” he said.
President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Senator Wafula Wakoli and MPs Didimus Barasa of Kimilili and Mwengi Mutuse of Kibwezi West attended the event.
Lusaka urged political leaders to put national interests above partisan politics.
They also said strategic investments, including the recently unveiled Sh2 trillion Dangote Oil Refinery, should be viewed as catalysts for economic transformation rather than political battlegrounds.
“For Kenya to grow, we must welcome transformative investments that create jobs, stimulate economic activity and improve the livelihoods of our people, irrespective of our political affiliations,” Lusaka said.
Barasa and Wakoli said the region was fully behind Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that he had the interests of residents at heart.
Mutuse criticised those opposed to Ruto’s leadership, describing them as selfish individuals from a section of the country who did not want other regions, including Western, to benefit from national resources.
“The people making the loudest noise are doing so because President Ruto is fair, and he has ensured that all regions develop. Please do not accept to be dragged to other people’s wars,” Mutuse said.
