MACHAKOS, Kenya — Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has accused President William Ruto of using his recent visit to Ukambani as a political campaign rather than a development mission, saying the Head of State’s conduct resembled that of a candidate instead of a sitting president.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 18, Mbui said residents were disappointed by the tone and content of the tour, which he claimed devolved into political jabs and partisan mobilisation.
“President William Ruto’s Ukambani tour was a political campaign trip,” Mbui said. “Unfortunately, our president is very well known for politics… I thought that once he ascends to the office of President, he would remain in his office and try to figure out how to support the citizens.”
The legislator criticised the way the president launched development projects, arguing that although several initiatives were unveiled — including bridges and transformers — the overall message drifted toward politics rather than service delivery.
Mbui accused the president of making remarks that allegedly demeaned Ukambani leaders, saying such comments sparked anger within the community.
“He indicated that we, the leaders from that community, have no brains,” Mbui said. “He would have achieved much more had he kept off the politics and the excessive promises.”
The MP warned that the president’s approach may backfire politically. “When you insult elected leaders, you’re insulting the people who voted for them,” he said. “2027 is around the corner — he’s going to get payback.”
Mbui insisted that communities expect respect and genuine development from State visits, adding that the tone of the tour left many residents “annoyed and very disappointed.”
The criticism comes as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also raised concerns over the State’s development commitments in the region.
On Friday, November 14, Kalonzo visited the newly launched Emali–Matiliku Road in Makueni County, only to find the site deserted. He said machinery displayed during the launch had vanished and no actual construction work had begun.
“Shockingly, all the big machinery is gone, and no work has begun,” he said in a statement, calling the project launch a publicity stunt.
Kalonzo added that the Emali–Matiliku situation reflects a broader national trend in which infrastructure projects are launched with fanfare but stall soon after.
“This pattern repeats itself across the country… a regime more interested in grand launches and photo opportunities than actual progress.”
Ruto’s Ukambani tour was intended to showcase development and strengthen ties with local communities. However, the backlash from both Mbui and Kalonzo highlights deepening political tension in the region, with leaders accusing the administration of prioritising politics over service delivery.
As the 2027 election cycle draws closer, analysts say such exchanges are likely to intensify, especially in regions where political loyalties remain strongly contested.
