President Ruto, former DP Gachagua trade barbs in wooing Kamba nation swing vote ahead of 2027 polls

President William Ruto and his former deputy, political buddies turned foes have traded barbs in wooing the swing vote Kamaba nation with the former saying that no community will be left behind on matter development while the latter accused his former boss of disrespecting the Ukambani people.

Speaking at Eastern Kenya Integrated College in Mitaboni, Machakos county yesterday, President Ruto said that no part of Kenya will be left behind in national transformation because of the choice made in the last elections.

The President said the country belongs to all Kenyans and they would benefit equitably from the programmes and policies the government is implementing.

In a quick rejoinder, Gachagua pointed out the recent sacking of former Ketraco CEO John Mudivo, a prominent figure from Ukambani  and the President’s swift visit to Machakos county immediately afterward as an act of disrespect.

Gachagua described the move as disrespectful and indicative of a contemptuous attitude towards the Ukambani community, emphasizing that dismissing one of their own and replacing him with tribesmen from Ruto’s community underscores a form of tribal bias that undermines national unity.

“It is very disrespectful for the President to sack a competent leader from Ukambani and replace him with his tribesmen.

Such actions show outright disrespect and despising of the community,” Gachagua stated.

He further criticized President Ruto’s stance on tribalism, highlighting what he called “the irony” of the President speaking against tribalism while practicing it himself.

Gachagua argued that such contradictions undermine efforts to foster inclusivity and unity among Kenyans.
Addressing the ongoing development issues in Ukambani, Gachagua challenged Ruto to take responsibility for the region’s progress.

“It is the President’s duty to develop Ukambani. Who is blocking him from delivering development to the people?

The community only asks for fair treatment and equitable distribution of resources,” he asserted.

Gachagua made these remarks at Calvary Church in Mutituni, Machakos Town Constituency, during the ordination of 21 pastors.

In response to Ruto’s recent comment suggesting that the opposition lacks the brains to do development, Gachagua fired back, “Yes, they may lack the brains for theft, corruption, lies, and extrajudicial killings.

But they are the ones fighting for the rights of the people and standing against the misuse of power.”

His sentiments were echoed by Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and other opposition leaders, who condemned the President’s approach and called for respect and fairness towards Ukambani and its people.

President Ruto said even though some leaders in Ukambani had initially pointed out that they were not interested in housing and fresh produce markets, the government is nevertheless rolling out the programmes in the towns and villages of Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.

“I met religious leaders from this region and they convinced the few political leaders that the path they had taken over development was the wrong one,” he said.

The President explained that the national transformation underway in all parts of Kenya is also happening in the three counties, and cited Sh45billion that has been set aside for the construction of affordable housing, fresh produce markets and student hostels.

The President said a further Sh5.5billion has been allocated for roads in the region, and another KSh5.5 billion for electricity connection.

“It is not right or fair for any part to remain behind. We are one nation, one people with a common destiny,” he said.

President Ruto further said irrigation is the “next frontier” in agricultural transformation, adding that Machakos, Makueni and Kitui would immensely benefit to turn the region’s arable land to full production and productivity.

Thwake Dam, which is in the final stages of completion, would be a game changer in the agricultural revolution that would be enabled by irrigation.

“The next frontier for agricultural transformation is irrigation and Ukambani has huge potential,” the President noted.

He explained that the government’s housing and health programmes, among other initiatives, will take Kenya to the next level of development.

On education, President Ruto enumerated the strides that have been made in the past three years, saying the government has invested heavily in the sector because “education is an equaliser”.

“I can proudly tell you that we have heavily invested in the Competency-Based Education and Training, technical and higher education. We will ensure we fund education adequately because our young people are Kenya’s greatest asset,” he added.

Eastern Integrated College has applied for a Letter of Interim Authority and charter to offer degree courses, and the Ministry of Education has outlined the process they need to follow.

On other development programmes in the region, President Ruto KSh800 million has been invested in the ongoing construction of Kitui Stadium, the venue of this year’s Mashujaa Day on October 20.

Additionally, roads in and around Kitui town are also being built, among other roads in region.

Leaders present at the function were Labour Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua and MPs Tabitha Mutinda (Nominated Senator), Caleb Mule (Machakos Town), Joshua Mwalyo (Masinga) and Fabian Muli (Kangundo).

Others were former Machakos Senator Johnstone Muthama, MCAs and other county leaders.

Mutua urged the region to rally behind the government, saying the President had chosen to make difficult decisions that have consequently benefited the country in a stable economy