Ruto Defends Development Record in Western Kenya, Dismisses Critics as ‘Noisemakers’

President William Ruto has defended his administration’s development record in Western Kenya, dismissing opposition leaders as political noisemakers and insisting that the region is witnessing some of the most significant investments in its history.

Speaking during the launch of Shirikiana SACCO in Kakamega, the Head of State thanked local leaders, Members of Parliament, and government officials for working together to implement development projects across the region. He singled out National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, cabinet secretaries, governors, and legislators for supporting the government’s agenda.

Ruto used the occasion to launch a scathing attack on opposition politicians whom he accused of moving from one public gathering to another spreading negativity instead of offering solutions to citizens.

“Najua watu ambao hawana mpango yoyote ni porojo mingi wanazungusha. Ukiwasikiza wanatembea huku, wanaingia kwa masoko wanapigia watu kelele. Hawauzi nyanya, hawauzi kuku, hawauzi chochote,” Ruto said.

The President further mocked opposition figures for attending churches, funerals, and public meetings merely to criticize the government.

“Wanaenda kanisani, hao si members wa kwaya, sio wahubiri, hawatoi ushuhuda. Wanaenda huko kusumbua watu. Wanaenda kwa mazishi hata hawajui nani amekufa, wanaenda kupigia watu kelele,” he told the crowd.

Responding to claims that little development has been achieved under his administration, Ruto highlighted several projects that he said demonstrate tangible progress in Western Kenya. He pointed to the revival of Mumias Sugar Company and Sony Sugar, which had previously struggled financially.

“Ile Mumias ilikuwa imekufa sasa imeamka. Ile Sony ilikuwa imekufa sasa inafanya kazi,” the President declared to loud applause.

According to Ruto, sugarcane farmers who previously waited months to receive payments are now being paid within days, while workers at sugar factories are receiving their salaries on time.

“Wale walikuwa wanangojea miezi sita walipwe miwa yao sasa wanalipwa kila siku saba. Wale wafanyakazi waliokuwa wanangojea mwaka mmoja kulipwa mshahara leo wanalipwa tarehe 27 kila mwezi,” he said.

The President also outlined major infrastructure and healthcare projects underway in the region. He announced that the Kakamega Level Six Hospital is expected to be completed by November, while a new KSh8 billion Level Six Hospital is under construction in Bungoma County.

Ruto further cited ongoing investments in sports infrastructure, noting that stadium projects in Kakamega, Bungoma, Vihiga, and Busia are either complete or nearing completion.

“Wakuje waone stadium yetu tunamaliza in the next few months. Waone Vihiga tunajenga stadium. Waone Busia tunajenga stadium. Waone stadium ya Bungoma imekamilika,” he said.

The President also highlighted progress in education and healthcare, noting that the government has recruited over 100,000 teachers and expanded access to healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA).

“Wajue ya kwamba wale walimu ambao hawakuwa shuleni sasa tumeajiri walimu 100,000. Wajue ya kwamba ile NHIF yao ya watu milioni nane sasa kwa SHA kuna watu milioni 31,” he stated.

Ruto maintained that Western Kenya is benefiting significantly from the Affordable Housing Programme, revealing that the government has committed approximately KSh100 billion towards housing projects, markets, and student hostels across five counties in the region.

“Hii Western Kenya counties tano tumeweka bilioni 100 ya affordable housing, markets na hostels,” he said, adding that hostels are also being constructed at Masinde Muliro University to improve student accommodation.

The President challenged critics to present their own development record, arguing that many of those attacking the government have held senior public positions for decades without notable achievements.

“Mtu ambaye amekuwa waziri wa kila kitu, amekuwa serikalini miaka 50, hana mahali ataonyesha amefanya kitu chochote. Kiburi mingi, matusi mingi, madharau mingi,” he said.

In an apparent reference to opposition figures who frequently refer to him by the nickname “Kasongo,” Ruto dismissed the attacks as evidence of leaders who have run out of ideas.

“Ati kazi kubwa wamefikiria ni kunitafutia jina ya Kasongo. Hapo tu ndiyo akili yao imeishia,” he remarked.

The President concluded his visit by officially launching Shirikiana SACCO and reaffirming his support for cooperative movements as a vehicle for economic empowerment. He announced a personal contribution of KSh50 million to help strengthen the SACCO’s capital base and support lending activities for members.

“Nilikubaliana na my good friend Wycliffe Oparanya ya kwamba nitatafuta milioni 50 niweke kwa hii SACCO yenu ndio tuanze nayo,” Ruto announced.

He clarified that the funds were not meant for distribution but rather to strengthen the SACCO’s financial foundation, enabling members to access affordable loans and grow their businesses.

As political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, the President’s remarks signal a growing effort by Kenya Kwanza to defend its development record in Western Kenya, a region that is increasingly becoming a key battleground in the country’s evolving political landscape.