Opposition leaders led by Democracy for the People’s Party (DCP) Deputy Leader Cleophas Malala have strongly criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of relaunching development projects that were originally initiated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday afternoon, Malala accused the President of misleading Kenyans by re-commissioning projects that had already been launched during the previous administration.
He pointed out that Ruto had now launched the same road in Malava, Kakamega County, for the third time — first during Uhuru’s presidency when Ruto served as Deputy President, then again a year after he took office as Head of State, and now once more during his current visit.
“There is a man who has come to launch roads in Malava — the same road they are launching today,” Malala remarked. “He previously came to launch it while he was with Uhuru Kenyatta, and again when I was his party’s Secretary General. Now he has come again to do the same.”
The DCP deputy leader criticised what he termed as political showmanship, saying that launching already existing projects does not count as progress. He insisted that it is the duty of any government to build roads and provide basic infrastructure for its people without expecting praise or political mileage.
Malala went on to remind the government that the people of Kakamega, just like other Kenyans, contribute through taxes and therefore deserve equal development without discrimination.
“We want real development, not public relations launches,” he said. “Building roads in Malava is our constitutional right, not a favour from anyone. The people here are taxpayers — in fact, Malava residents are among the highest taxpayers in Kenya.”
He further warned that while the government can continue with its development projects, the people of Malava will make independent decisions during the next general election.
“You can construct roads, but the people of Malava are wise enough to know who they will vote for when the time comes,” he added firmly.
Ruto’s Tour of Western Kenya
Malala’s statements came just hours after President Ruto kicked off his four-day development tour of the Western region. His first stop was in Butere, where he officially opened the new 124-bed Butere County Hospital, a facility expected to improve access to healthcare for local residents.
The President also launched the Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo Road, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving transportation and boosting trade across Kakamega County. The road is seen as a key link that could open up rural areas and promote business growth in the region.
While addressing residents during his tour, President Ruto dismissed the opposition’s criticism, accusing them of engaging in divisive and retrogressive politics instead of focusing on national unity and development.
He stated that his administration’s goal is to transform Kenya through tangible projects that uplift citizens’ lives rather than empty political rhetoric.
“The transformation of our country will not come from endless political talk, but from visionary leadership that unites people and drives development,” the President said.
Ruto urged leaders from across the political divide to prioritise service delivery and avoid unnecessary political fights, saying that Kenyans expect development, not blame games.
As Ruto continues his tour of Western Kenya, political tension remains high, with opposition leaders vowing to keep the government in check and ensure that development projects are implemented transparently and fairly across the country.
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