Ruto tells Ukambani region it is time to abandon opposition politics

President William Ruto has told residents of Wote town in Makueni County that it is time for Ukambani to move beyond opposition politics and take its place at the centre of Kenya’s national development agenda.

In a charged address punctuated by chants of “Wote hoye! Makueni hoye!”, the President rebuked his political rivals, accusing them of fuelling division through tribalism, hatred, and empty rhetoric that, he said, had denied regions like Ukambani the benefits of progress.

“We cannot move this country forward with tribal politics and empty slogans. Let us move forward with development, not hatred. Let us build this country together,” he declared.

“By God’s grace, Ukambani will no longer be left behind. Together, we shall make this region a centre of progress for our nation,” he added, drawing loud applause from the crowd.

The Head of State urged residents to stand with his administration, saying the region had remained in opposition for too long and deserved a direct stake in government.

“People of Ukambani should be tired of being in the opposition. Those who keep you there are not doing it for you--they are doing it for themselves,” he said.

For over a decade, the Ukambani region has been the political bastion of Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, a seasoned politician, who has remained in the opposition since 2013.

The President’s remarks appeared aimed at shifting that long-standing political allegiance.

“These people’s thinking starts with tribalism, passes through hatred, and ends in arrogance. They oppose housing, water projects, education funding, markets…everything. And it’s not because they have a better plan. They simply have no plan, no agenda, no ideas,” Ruto charged.

Dr Ruto said he had chosen to stay in Ukambani “for as long as it takes” to ensure residents benefit fully from government programmes.

“I am here to work with you, to change this region for good. I will not just pass through--I will stay, because I want Ukambani at the centre of national development,” he declared.

The President announced that his government had allocated Sh770 million for the construction of a new modern stadium in Makueni, saying it was part of his commitment to expand sports infrastructure across Ukambani.

“I owe the people of Makueni this stadium. I have already instructed your senator and MP to identify suitable land so construction can begin. When Kenya moves forward, Makueni must move forward too,” he said.

The President added that his administration had completed similar projects in Kitui and Machakos, aiming to ensure the entire region “keeps pace with other parts of the country.”

He also pledged Sh50 million to upgrade Wote’s main market into a modern, multi-storey facility with breastfeeding and childcare areas for women traders.

“Women should not have to choose between business and motherhood. We will build them a dignified space to work and raise their children,” he said.

The President said his government had prioritised water projects in the region, noting that Kenya’s largest ongoing water project is located in Ukambani.

“We have secured an extra Sh9.3 billion to complete this project by April next year so that from May, residents can finally access reliable water,” he said.

He added that his administration would construct 50 new megadams across the country to ensure water for irrigation, food security, and economic growth.

“Once Ukambani has water, you will grow your own food and create jobs. That’s how we’ll end hunger and lift our economy,” Ruto told the cheering crowd.

He also cited improvements in agricultural output: maize production has risen from 40 million to 75 million bags, sugar production has reached 800,000 metric tonnes, and fertiliser prices have dropped from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 per bag.

Addressing residents’ health concerns, Ruto said the government had officially transitioned to the Social Health Authority (SHA), replacing NHIF to provide universal healthcare.

“Every Kenyan, whether rich or poor, employed or jobless, has the right to medical treatment. Under SHA, you will go to hospital, get treated, and leave without paying a cent,” he said.

He announced that medical equipment worth Sh3 billion would be delivered to Makueni County, including MRI, ultrasound, digital X-ray, and laboratory units, to strengthen local hospitals.

“If anyone asks you for money at a hospital when you are registered under SHA, call the police and tell them the President said treatment must be free,” he added.