In a direct tactical response to the swirling allegations of marginalization in the North Eastern region, Eldas MP Adan Keynan has announced a high-profile "Development Inspection Tour" slated for July, challenging critics to a game of "seeing is believing."

The veteran legislator’s announcement serves as a strategic counter-offensive against former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has recently toured the region claiming that the Kenya Kwanza administration has abandoned the Somali community. Keynan, a key ally of President Ruto and the Jubilee Party Secretary General, is moving to firewall the region’s vote block by showcasing tangible government projects.

"The Facts on the Ground"

"Politics is not about noise; it is about numbers and projects," Keynan declared during a press briefing at Parliament Buildings. "We are inviting the national media, the naysayers, and the public to join us in July. We will walk from Mandera to Wajir to Garissa. We will show you the roads, the dams, and the schools. If they say we are neglected, let them come and point at the neglect while standing on the tarmac we have built."

The tour is expected to highlight flagship projects such as the Horn of Africa Gateway Road and the various water pans constructed under the emergency drought mitigation fund. Keynan’s strategy is to visually link the Ruto administration to infrastructure, effectively neutralizing the emotional appeal of the opposition’s narrative.

The Battle for North Eastern

The North Eastern region has become a critical battleground ahead of the 2027 polls. With its block voting pattern, it is a prize that both the government and the opposition are desperate to secure. Gachagua’s recent overtures were designed to exploit the frustrations over the high cost of living and alleged extra-judicial killings. Keynan’s "July Tour" is the establishment’s rebuttal.

• The BBS Mall Factor: Keynan also took the opportunity to defend local investments, referencing the BBS Mall in Eastleigh—owned by Somali investors—as proof of the community’s thriving economic integration, which he credits to a conducive business environment fostered by the state.
• Political Unity: The tour will also serve as a loyalty test for other leaders in the region. Those who join Keynan will be signaling their allegiance to the government; those who boycott will be marked as dissidents.

A Risky Gamble?

However, the tour carries risks. If the projects are found to be stalled or shoddy, the "seeing is believing" slogan could backfire spectacularly. Residents in Wajir have complained of delayed NG-CDF disbursements and poor healthcare facilities. Keynan is betting that the headline projects will overshadow the grassroots grievances.

By setting the date for July, Keynan has bought the government six months to fast-track ongoing works. It is a race against time. The MP has thrown down the gauntlet; now he must ensure there is something impressive to show when the curtain is raised.