TAITA TAVETA, Kenya— National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged boda boda riders across Kenya to spearhead a nationwide voter registration drive while mobilising grassroots support for President William Ruto’s re-election campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a boda boda empowerment programme at Satoo Grounds in Taveta Constituency on Friday, Wetang’ula described motorcycle taxi operators as influential community mobilisers because of their daily interaction with millions of Kenyans in both urban and rural areas.
He called on the riders to encourage eligible Kenyans who possess national identity cards but are yet to register as voters to enlist with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) once voter registration resumes.
“You carry passengers every day in towns and villages. Whenever you transport someone, remind those who have identity cards but have not registered as voters to enlist with the IEBC,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker also urged the riders to champion President Ruto’s second-term bid, arguing that the administration’s development record justified another five years in office.
Wetang’ula defended the President’s frequent development tours across the country, saying they reflected his commitment to inspecting and launching projects rather than engaging in politics.
He cited affordable housing projects, construction of markets, roads and schools, expansion of infrastructure, and increased teacher recruitment as some of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s key achievements since taking office in 2022.
According to the Speaker, the government has employed about 100,000 teachers over the past three years and plans to recruit an additional 24,000 during the current financial year, a move he said contrasts with previous administrations that recruited about 5,000 teachers annually.
“We are reminding Kenyans that President Ruto’s work can be seen across the country. His development record speaks for itself, and that is why we are asking Kenyans to give him a second term,” he said.
Wetang’ula also highlighted ongoing development projects in Taita Taveta County, including the rehabilitation of the Voi-Taveta railway line, construction of roads linking the county to Moshi in Tanzania and Kajiado County, and affordable housing projects, saying they would enhance trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
Without naming any individual, the Speaker criticised leaders who have recently urged foreign tourists to avoid visiting Kenya, saying such statements undermine the country’s tourism sector and livelihoods.
“Taita Taveta depends heavily on tourism. Discouraging visitors from coming to Kenya is sabotaging the livelihoods of thousands of Kenyans working in hotels, tour companies and small businesses that depend on the sector,” he said.
He further urged Kenyans to reject tribal politics and embrace national unity, insisting that no citizen should face discrimination based on ethnicity, religion or race.
“We want every Kenyan to be proud of being Kenyan wherever they are. The government is committed to ensuring no Kenyan is discriminated against because of their tribe, religion or race,” Wetang’ula said.
The Speaker also warned lenders accused of charging boda boda operators excessive interest on motorcycle loans, saying the government would intervene to protect riders from exploitative lending practices.
“You cannot lend money and expect interest that is several times the principal amount. The government will protect boda boda riders because they are a critical part of Kenya’s transport sector,” he said.
Wetang’ula expressed confidence that President Ruto would secure a second term in office, saying the ruling coalition remained focused on delivering its development agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also rallied support for the President, dismissing attempts by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua to consolidate political support in the Mt Kenya region.
Ruku argued that the region remained firmly within government, noting that it continued to hold key positions, including the Deputy President’s office, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and heads of state corporations.
“We fought for independence together, supported Presidents Jomo Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, and in 2022 we elected President William Ruto. We shall remain together and re-elect him,” Ruku said.
Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro said Coast leaders had resolved to support Ruto’s re-election and would embark on a voter registration campaign targeting more than one million new voters in the region to strengthen its political influence.
“We want our people to register as voters because numbers matter. A higher voter turnout will give the Coast region greater influence in the next administration,” Mung’aro said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot accused opposition leaders of lacking a development agenda, while Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi urged political leaders to keep tourism out of partisan politics.
Mwingi West MP Mwengi Mutuse said opposition to President Ruto stemmed from his efforts to distribute development projects more equitably across the country, while Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe predicted the President would comfortably retain power in the 2027 General Election.
Kaloleni MP Paul Katana, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko and Mwatate MP Peter Shake also urged residents to support the government’s development agenda, citing ongoing investments in infrastructure, markets, affordable housing and transport projects.
Other leaders who attended the event included Webuye East MP Martin Pepela, Nambale MP Godfrey Mulanya and Magarini MP Harrison Kombe.