By The Weekly Vision Reporter
President William Ruto’s planned working tour of Western Kenya, beginning today, is shaping up to be more political than developmental as tensions simmer in the region ahead of the Malava Constituency by-election.
The President is expected in Kakamega County today, where he will launch a series of development projects, including the upgrading of several roads to bitumen standards, among them the B123 Turbo–Panpaper–Makutano–Sikhendu Road in Lugari, the Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo Road, and the Airstrip–Shinyalu–Chepsonoi Road. He will also commission the new Butere Level 4 Hospital, a KSh multi-million project boasting a 200-bed capacity.
Preparations are in top gear to receive the Head of State in Lugari, Shinyalu, Butere, and Malava. However, the excitement is laced with political undercurrents, as Ruto is also expected to lead his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) team in campaigning for their candidate in the Malava parliamentary by-election, Mr David Ndakwa.
The visit comes amid accusations from a section of local leaders who claim that Ruto has failed to fulfil his campaign pledges to the Western region. Critics argue that despite overwhelming support from some quarters during the 2022 General Election, the President has done little to revive the once-vibrant sugar sub-sector or to improve the region’s infrastructure.
Kakamega Senator Dr Boni Khalwale and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya have been particularly vocal, accusing the President of overlooking Western despite the region’s political significance. “We have seen caterpillars clearing some roads in Malava because of the by-election,” Natembeya told a rally in Kabras West. “After November 27, they will be withdrawn.”
The leaders have also taken issue with Ruto’s allies in government, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, whom they accuse of “forgetting the people who propelled them to power.”
This is Ruto’s first major visit to Western since the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who for over two decades commanded a loyal following in the region. Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains dominant in the area, having won nine out of twelve parliamentary seats in Kakamega during the 2022 elections, alongside gubernatorial victories in Busia, Kakamega, and Vihiga counties.
Observers say the political ground is shifting. With ODM’s long-standing influence and with Ruto losing some of his key allies, the President faces an uphill task in consolidating support ahead of the 2027 polls. Political commentator Barrack Muluka notes that both Mudavadi and Wetang’ula could struggle to rally Western voters behind Ruto, given growing local frustrations.
Still, not everyone is critical. Pro-government MPs in the region have welcomed the tour, describing it as a sign of Ruto’s commitment to development. Lugari MP Nabii Nabwera expressed optimism that the President’s visit will fast-track the long-awaited tarmacking of the B123 road. “This project is not a mere aspiration; it is a tangible reality in motion,” he said.
Shinyalu MP Fred Ikana also hailed the planned upgrading of the Airstrip–Shinyalu–Chepsonoi Road, saying it would significantly ease transport for residents and traders.
For President Ruto, the Kakamega visit is as much about optics as it is about infrastructure. With the Malava by-election set for 27 November, the visit is expected to test UDA’s strength in a region traditionally hostile to the ruling party.
Whether the tour rekindles Western’s faith in the Kenya Kwanza administration, or reinforces perceptions of unfulfilled promises, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Ruto’s political charm offensive in Western will be closely watched, both by his allies and detractors.
