'Wale nitawashughulikia,' Ruto chides fragmented opposition in Gusii tour

The president on Sunday led a delegation of national government officials in the first leg of his four-day development tour of Nyamira and Kisii counties, following an earlier postponement of the visit.

The head of state began his tour at Nyamaiya Grounds, where he attended an interdenominational church service that brought together faithful from various churches in West Mugirango Constituency.

The president later launched and announced several development projects, but he also turned his attention to the opposition, claiming internal divisions could tear it apart even before the next general election.

"Mnaona vile wanapigania makelele, msijali na hao majamaa. Wale nitawashughulikia sana; kwanza wamesambaratika hata kabla ya wakati kufika," said Ruto.

Ruto also outlined his administration's development agenda for the region, promising increased investment in roads, rural electrification, and agriculture, with billions of shillings earmarked for infrastructure development.

"Our competitors should tell us what they offer. We are spending Ksh.11 billion on roads and rural electrification," he stated.

Gusii leaders accompanying the president pledged to stand with his administration, citing what they termed his development track record and commitment to the equitable distribution of national resources.

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo and his Kisii counterpart Simba Arati reaffirmed their support for the president, promising to rally behind his development agenda.

"Ile maendeleo umeleta kwa region yetu, kila mtu anaona na macho. Sisi tutaunga mkono serikali yako," said Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati affirmed: "Watajua sisi ni watu wa kusimama nyuma ya Ruto, na watu wetu wasife moyo, tuko na tutazidi kuwa kwa serikali."

"Bwana Rais, tunaomba pia usawazishe maneno ya mazao ya kahawa. Wakulima wetu wanaumia na bei duni, ilhali wenzao kutoka kwingine wanazidi kunufaika na bei bora," added Kisii Woman Representative Dorice Donya.

While in Nyamira, the president reassured the ODM faction within the broad-based government of their enduring partnership ahead of the polls.

"We shall continue to work with our brothers in the broad-based government," reiterated President Ruto.

National Assembly Chief Whip Sylvanus Osoro added: "Kwa watu ambao wanafikiria hatuna umoja, chama cha ODM na UDA tumeshikana na tunafanya kazi pamoja."

The president announced the construction of major roads in Nyamira, which will take up a total of Ksh.11 billion, alongside Ksh 10 billion for affordable housing. He also announced the extension of the Rironi–Mau Summit road project to Kisii and onward to Kisumu.

On Monday, President Ruto is expected to launch various projects in Kisii County.