Ruto hits out at opposition, attacks Natembeya during Trans Nzoia tour

President William Ruto has criticised his political opponents for promoting tribalism and divisive politics, saying this undermines development initiatives in their regions.

He said the opposition was keen on dividing the country along tribal lines and urged voters to shun what he termed toxic politics and vote out divisive leaders in the coming elections.

“While my administration has been keen on initiating development across the country, opposition leaders are engaging in tribal and divisive rhetoric instead of focusing on issue-based politics. Electorates should be on the lookout for such leaders who have no plan and nothing to offer,” said Dr Ruto.

The President warned the opposition against what he described as divisive and tribal politics ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“Kenya needs a plan, not tribalism or hatred as propagated by these opposition leaders. Kenyans want plans for roads, electricity and a clear development agenda, and that is what we are going to deliver,” said Dr Ruto.

The Head of State, who presided over Mazingira Day celebrations at Elgon Downs farm in Endebess, Trans Nzoia County, on Saturday, hit out at Governor George Natembeya for allegedly undermining development projects funded by the national government.

Dr Ruto accused Mr Natembeya, a critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration who was absent from the event, of promoting tribal and divisive politics through his Tawe movement, which he said was dangerous for communities living in the cosmopolitan county.

“I have come here for development. This county will not be left behind in development, just like other counties,” said Dr Ruto.

He claimed that Mr Natembeya’s administration had run down the county’s health sector, denying residents access to quality services, particularly at Wamalwa Kijana Referral Hospital (WKRH) and other health facilities in the region.

“It’s unfortunate that such a facility has been branded Shakahola because of alleged death rates. We are going to pump additional funds into it to transform it into a modern hospital to serve the region,” said Dr Ruto.

He also said some stalled projects in the county were the result of opposition from the governor, who had allegedly failed to facilitate their handover for completion.

Dr Ruto, who lined up candidates who have declared interest in unseating Governor Natembeya in the 2027 General Election, said the county needed leaders focused on development and the welfare of residents.

The candidates included Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau, his predecessor, Dr Chris Wamalwa, and UN-Habitat representative Susan Nakhumicha, who campaigned for his re-election.

In Trans Nzoia County, Dr Ruto said his administration had committed billions of shillings to roads, affordable housing and market projects.

“Here in Endebess, we have committed Sh1.2 billion for the Endebess-Bwala-Posta road. On Wednesday and Friday, I will come here to launch the construction of a road, a market and other projects being undertaken by my administration,” said Dr Ruto.

He said the Kenya Kwanza administration had committed Sh18 billion to road construction in Trans Nzoia, with eight tarmac roads already under construction. He added that Sh2 billion had been allocated for the construction of modern markets in the county.

The President also announced that Sh17 billion had been allocated to affordable housing programmes and another Sh2.2 billion to the construction of hostels for students.

“I will sit with your MPs to ensure we fast-track these development projects because it is unfortunate that Trans Nzoia has had problems due to bad politics that have derailed development for a long time,” said Dr Ruto.

The President’s tour came after several planned visits to the county failed to materialise since 2024. The cancellations have been attributed to poor relations between the county and national governments, which have undermined his visits to the region.

On Saturday, the President was accompanied by Cabinet Secretaries Kipchumba Murkomen and Deborah Barasa, who is in charge of Environment and Forestry, among other senior government officials.

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