Ruto starts Ukambani charm offensive

Speaking at Mbiuni market in Machakos County on Saturday, Ruto said his administration would serve residents regardless of their political allegiance, dismissing suggestions that the region’s association with Kalonzo placed it outside the government’s development agenda.

The President said Ukambani residents were Kenyans entitled to government services, maintaining that development projects were being implemented equitably across the country.

In a gesture towards Kalonzo, Ruto said he would on Monday launch the tarmacking of the road leading to the Wiper leader’s rural home in Tseikuru.

"Niliskia juzi Kalonzo akisema Mungu anatumia huyo mtu kujenga bara bara na nitajenga bara bara ya kuenda Tseikuru..." he said.

"Mimi nikipima kuna watu wawili wanatumiwa na Mungu: Ruto na Kalonzo... mimi kujenga barabara, na Kalonzo kutangaza najenga barabara."

He said it was not right for someone who had served as Vice President to still use a dusty road to access his rural home, pledging that his administration would take up the work.

The outreach was nevertheless accompanied by criticism, with Ruto accusing Kalonzo of standing in the way of development in Ukambani. He also accused the Wiper leader and his opposition counterparts of engaging in ethnic-based politics.

Ruto’s remarks come as he seeks to strengthen support in a region where Kalonzo has longstanding political influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The President has previously publicly expressed his desire to work with Kalonzo. During a church service at ACK St. Martin’s Cathedral in Kitui in July, he extended an olive branch to the Wiper leader and assured Ukambani residents that his government would give them their rightful share of development.

During Saturday’s engagements, Ruto also defended the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying the healthcare programme was working and easing the burden of medical bills on Kenyan households.

The President also issued 6,000 title deeds to Kaiti residents in Makueni County.