MAKUENI, Kenya – President William Ruto has declared that he will do everything possible to ensure the Kamba region joins government ranks ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kibwezi, Makueni County, at the start of his four-day development tour of the region, Ruto said it was “unfortunate” that Ukambani has for years remained in the opposition, lagging behind in development as other parts of the country advance.
“Kwa vyovyote, mbele na nyuma, kulia na kushoto, juu na chini — hii Ukambani haiwezi kukaa upinzani tena,” Ruto said.
The President admitted that he had in the past contributed to the region’s political isolation by neglecting it and allowing his rivals to sway the people into opposition politics.
Without mentioning names, he said he was now determined to “reclaim” Ukambani’s political loyalty.
“Tell them that Ruto has arrived and has said Ukambani is leaving the opposition to join the government,” he said as the crowd erupted in applause.
Ruto urged residents to reject leaders who focus on slogans and power-sharing instead of tangible development plans.
“If someone has no plan, policy, agenda, or sense, how will they transform Ukambani?” he asked.
He dismissed rivals whom he said are obsessed with political rhetoric such as “one-term,” “must go,” and other catchphrases, warning that such politics offer no solutions to citizens’ daily challenges.
Ruto said what the people of Ukambani need are basics like water, roads, and electricity—services he vowed to deliver through his administration’s development agenda.
The President is accompanied by his Deputy, Kithure Kindiki, several Cabinet Secretaries, and elected leaders from the region.
He is expected to tour Kitui County on Thursday, Machakos County on Friday, and hold a leaders’ meeting on Saturday as part of his continued engagement with the Kamba community.
