President William Ruto has sparked fresh political debate after saying God is using opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka to publicise his administration’s development projects, in remarks delivered during his four-day tour of Ukambani.
Speaking at Mbiuni market in Mwala Constituency, Machakos County, on Saturday, Ruto said he appreciated Kalonzo’s acknowledgement of his government’s work, particularly road construction, water provision and healthcare.
“Namshukuru Kalonzo kwa kusema kwamba Mungu ananitumia,” Ruto said.
The President went further, suggesting that Kalonzo had a role in communicating the government’s achievements to the public.
“Mungu ananitumia kujenga barabara, Mungu ananitumia kuleta maji, Mungu ananitumia kuboresha huduma za matibabu. Na yeye Mungu anamtumia Kalonzo kunisaidia kutangaza,” he said.
The remarks are politically significant because Kalonzo, the leader of the Wiper Democratic Movement, is an opposition figure with a longstanding political base in Ukambani and has declared his presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Ruto draws a distinction between Kalonzo and other opposition leaders
The President also praised Kalonzo for what he described as his willingness to acknowledge development projects where work had been done.
“Ako na ukweli, mahali kazi imefanyika anasema jameni imefanyika,” Ruto said, portraying the Wiper leader as truthful in recognising government achievements.
He contrasted Kalonzo with other opposition politicians, whom he accused of refusing to acknowledge development even when roads had been constructed near their homes.
The President’s remarks appeared to draw a distinction between an opposition leader willing to recognise government projects and others he accused of criticising his administration regardless of its record.
The comments raise questions about whether Ruto is seeking to use Kalonzo’s statements to strengthen his administration’s development narrative in a region where the opposition leader commands considerable political influence.
Tseikuru road becomes a political talking point
Ruto also announced plans to launch the tarmacking of the road leading to Kalonzo’s rural home in Tseikuru on Monday, October 26.
The road has featured prominently in the political exchanges between the two leaders, with Ruto previously questioning why Kalonzo had not secured its upgrading despite holding senior government positions, including that of Vice President.
By promising to advance the road project, Ruto placed infrastructure development at the centre of his engagement with a region closely associated with his political rival.
Development promises meet electoral politics
Ruto’s four-day tour, running from October 24 to 27, covers Machakos, Makueni and Kitui counties.
The programme includes water infrastructure, road construction, electricity connectivity, affordable housing, healthcare facilities and other development initiatives.
On Saturday, the President commissioned Phase Two of the Mwala Cluster Last Mile Water Supply Project, valued at approximately KSh1.47 billion in reports on the launch.
The administration says the project is intended to improve water access for communities that have experienced persistent shortages.
The tour comes as political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Ruto seeking support in a region where Kalonzo has maintained a significant political following.
Ruto’s remarks about Kalonzo have added another dimension to that contest, placing the opposition leader at the centre of a message intended to showcase the government’s development record.
