Political Undertones in Development Drive

MAKUENI, KENYA – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government's commitment to a non-discriminative development agenda, stating that all regions of Kenya will benefit from state projects regardless of their political affiliations. Speaking on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, during the first day of a four-day presidential tour of the Lower Eastern region, Kindiki emphasized a shift towards policy-driven politics.

“We want Kenyan politics to change. Let us focus on matters of development,” Kindiki stated in Kasikeu, Makueni County. “Our competitors should stop the hateful, tribal and divisive agenda. Tell wananchi your alternative development agenda. We are building roads, expanding electricity connection and ramping up water projects.”

The tour, which covers Makueni, Kitui, and Machakos counties, is widely seen as a strategic move by the Kenya Kwanza administration to build support in a region that has historically been a stronghold for the opposition, particularly Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. President William Ruto was explicit about his intentions, stating his determination to bring the three counties into the government's fold and vowing to “wrest political control” of the region from the opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.

Infrastructure and Land Ownership Addressed

On the ground, the tour commenced with the commissioning of several key infrastructure projects. President Ruto, accompanied by the Deputy President and other national and local leaders, officially opened the Kasikeu and Mikuyu Bridges and their approach roads in Kilome Constituency. These bridges are intended to improve connectivity and prevent flood-related deaths that have previously affected the area.

The President also launched the upgrading of the long-stalled Emali-Ukia Road, a critical transport corridor expected to boost trade and agriculture in the region. In a significant move to address persistent land ownership issues, President Ruto issued 2,140 title deeds to residents of Kasikeu. Another 2,000 titles were issued to beneficiaries of the Emali Block 3 and Kibwezi/Syumile Settlement Schemes.

President Ruto announced a substantial investment of KSh 11 billion for Makueni County, earmarked for affordable housing, modern markets, and educational hostels. “Our goal is to ensure that every part of our country, including Makueni County where development has lagged behind for far too long, is not left behind,” the President stated.

A Mixed Reception

The development tour has elicited a mixed reaction from local leaders. Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and Senator Dan Maanzo, both allies of Kalonzo Musyoka, welcomed the President and accompanied him on the tour. Governor Kilonzo lauded the projects as a “major economic breakthrough” but urged the national government to address the county's severe water challenges and expedite the issuance of 6,000 more title deeds.

However, the visit was not without tension. Ahead of the tour, some opposition-allied leaders claimed they were sidelined from the planning process. During a roadside rally, Makueni MP Suzanne Ndunge Kiamba directly confronted President Ruto over his characterization of opposition leaders as “bure kabisa” (completely useless), urging him to show respect. The President responded that it is the public, not him, who have made that assessment based on a perceived lack of a meaningful agenda from the opposition.

Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka has previously criticized the administration, accusing it of punishing the Ukambani region by cancelling key projects like the Sh350 billion High Grand Falls Dam. This tour, laden with new projects and promises, represents the government's direct counter-narrative as it seeks to reshape the political landscape of Lower Eastern Kenya.