President William Ruto is welcomed to Makueni by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior on November 12, 2025. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva
President William Ruto’s whirlwind tour of Makueni County today was a vivid display of Kenya Kwanza’s development agenda, intertwined with a sharp political message aimed at the Opposition.
The President began his tour by commissioning the Kasikeu and Mikuyu Bridges and their approach roads, followed by the issuance of title deeds to residents of Kasikeu. He then launched the Emali–Ukia Road in Kibwezi West, alongside issuing more title deeds in Emali town, reinforcing his commitment to empowering local communities.
During his visit, the President inspected the Wote Affordable Housing Project and presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the Wote ESP Market, promising further investment in infrastructure. Among his key pledges were the completion of Thwake Dam by April next year, supported by an additional Ksh 9.3 billion in government funding.
Ruto also promised Ksh 5 million for a perimeter wall at Unoa Comprehensive School and 30 new classrooms for a new primary school in Wote town to decongest Unoa Primary.
Accompanying the President were senior government officials and local leaders cutting across party lines, including Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Senator Daniel Maanzo, Kilome MP Theddeous Nzambia, and Makueni MP Susan Kiamba. Kenya Kwanza affiliates such as Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse, Mwala MP Vincent Musyoka, Machakos MP Caleb Mule, and Kangundo MP Fabian Kyule also joined the President.
The tour took a politically charged turn as President Ruto used the platform to challenge the Opposition, saying:
“Even with the little votes you gave me here, I am determined to develop Ukambani. Never again will this region be left behind. Are you ready to form the next government with me, or do you want to continue in Opposition?”
Ruto did not shy away from questioning the Opposition’s agenda, criticizing their apparent lack of a concrete plan for Kenya:
“How will our opponents change Ukambani and Kenya when they have no agenda, no plan, and, worst of all, a weak mind? They sit hotels and start sharing government forgetting that the government belong to people.”
The political rhetoric drew a rare rebuke from Makueni MP Susan Kiamba, who urged the President to show respect for all leaders, including those in Opposition:
“No man created in the likeness of God can be useless. Every person, whether deaf, dumb, or in Opposition, has something special to contribute. Politics should not erase respect and space for others.”
Susan also raised concerns over what she called tribal discrimination in government appointments, calling for greater inclusion of Kambas in employment opportunities while balancing the region’s development.
Responding swiftly, Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse highlighted the government’s inclusivity, pointing to Kambas like Caroline Nzilani (Judicial Service Commissioner), Fred Muteti (Chair, Special Economic Zones), Dr. Andrew Mulwa (head of NASCOP), and Damaris Maweu (KEMRI director) who have benefitted from government appointments.
While the political debate simmered, other leaders such as Governor Mutula, Senator Maanzo, and Kilome MP Nzambia steered clear of politics, focusing instead on development initiatives.
The lighter side of the tour came when Governor Mutula humorously quipped “You can’t cough while hunting!”
Today’s tour underscored a dual narrative: President Ruto’s determination to advance development in Ukambani while solidifying his political base, blending infrastructure, social projects, and sharp political messaging into a single, high-profile visit.
