Women leaders back Ruto’s re-election bid at Taita Taveta event

A group of women leaders has called on Kenyans to support President William Ruto's bid for a second term, citing development projects undertaken by his administration since he took office.

The leaders, led by Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, spoke during a women empowerment event in Taita Taveta County hosted by Taita Taveta Woman Representative Lydia Haika.

During the event, the leaders argued that the government's development agenda and resource allocation across different regions justified continued support for the President ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Waiguru said her support for President Ruto was based on projects implemented in Kirinyaga and other parts of the country through collaboration between county governments and the national administration.

She pointed to road infrastructure projects and the construction of markets in Kirinyaga among initiatives she said had benefited residents.

The governor also dismissed claims that the Mt Kenya region had withdrawn its support for the President, arguing that it was too early to draw such conclusions.

"There is a lot of talk that Mt Kenya has abandoned President Ruto, but that is not true," Waiguru said, adding that political sentiments in the region could not be determined by isolated opinions.

She further urged leaders to prioritize cooperation with the national government, saying collaboration was important in attracting development projects to counties.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika said President Ruto's administration had created opportunities for women leaders and continued to implement development programmes across the country.

Host Lydia Haika credited the national government with supporting development initiatives in Taita Taveta and highlighted projects undertaken during her tenure as Woman Representative, including water projects, bursary programmes, support for women's groups and assistance for persons living with disabilities.

Likoni MP Mishi Mboko also expressed support for the President, saying leaders should focus on service delivery and national unity.

Nyeri Woman Representative Rahab Mukami and Bahati MP Irene Njoki rejected suggestions that the Mt Kenya region had shifted its political position, urging leaders to remain focused on development and public service.

The leaders also endorsed Haika's reported bid for the Taita Taveta Senate seat, citing her record in office and development initiatives implemented during her tenure.

The women empowerment programme included the distribution of tents, wheelchairs, water tanks, cooking pots and trolleys to households and community groups across the county.