Kakamega MP Innocent Mugabe Defends Ties With Ruto Amid Pressure From Voters
Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe has strongly defended his decision to continue working closely with President William Ruto despite growing pressure from some residents who want him to distance himself from the Kenya Kwanza administration and join the opposition side.
The outspoken lawmaker, who was elected on an ODM ticket, made it clear that he is more interested in bringing development projects to the people of Likuyani than engaging in political battles meant to excite crowds without producing real results.
Speaking during a public event in the constituency, Mugabe adopted a firm and unapologetic tone, saying he would not change his political direction simply to satisfy critics.
According to the MP, his cooperation with the national government has already helped attract several important projects to the constituency, and he believes maintaining that relationship is the best way to improve the lives of local residents.
He argued that politics should focus on delivering services rather than endless opposition and confrontations.
“I will not sing one term to please you,” Mugabe told residents while responding to calls from some constituents who have been urging him to abandon his close ties with President Ruto.
The legislator insisted that leaders who maintain good working relationships with the national government are often in a better position to lobby for resources and development opportunities for their people.
He claimed that many of the visible projects in Likuyani today became possible because of his direct engagement with top government officials and frequent visits to State House.
Mugabe further explained that joining the opposition simply to gain popularity would not help ordinary wananchi. In his view, residents need roads, public services, industries, and job opportunities more than political excitement and public praise.
“I will not join the opposition just to receive praises that cannot bring development to my constituency. The infrastructure projects you see here are because I went to State House and engaged the government,” he stated.
The MP also addressed criticism surrounding his close political relationship with the president. He admitted that his position has exposed him to attacks from opponents and rival politicians who disagree with his approach.
However, he maintained that he is comfortable being judged based on the projects and progress achieved under his leadership.
Among the projects Mugabe highlighted was the establishment of a Huduma Centre in the area, which he said has made it easier for residents to access government services without travelling long distances.
He also pointed to the ongoing development of the Likuyani Industrial Park, a project expected to create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the region.
According to the MP, such projects cannot be achieved through Constituency Development Fund allocations alone.
He argued that leaders must actively seek partnerships with the national government and other agencies if they want to secure major investments for their constituencies.
At the same time, Mugabe called on local leaders, especially Members of the County Assembly, to avoid unnecessary political fights and instead embrace cooperation with other elected leaders.
He warned that constant public confrontations and political insults, especially during social gatherings and funerals, only slow down development efforts.
The lawmaker urged MCAs to maintain good relationships with county and national government officials so that their wards can benefit from government programmes and projects.
“I urge my MCAs to work closely with the governor and other leaders so that residents can benefit from development. If you keep attacking the executive, your ward may end up missing important projects,” Mugabe said.
His remarks come at a time when political competition in Likuyani is beginning to intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election. Several aspirants have already started positioning themselves to challenge him for the parliamentary seat.
Among those seeking to unseat Mugabe are Dr Evans Taracha and Deberious Shikuku, both of whom have criticised the MP’s leadership style and accused him of failing to address some issues affecting residents.
Dr Taracha, who has recently been meeting youth groups and local residents across the constituency, questioned the manner in which CDF bursaries are being distributed.
He alleged that some financially stable families were benefiting unfairly while needy students continued struggling to access education support.
The aspirant has been presenting himself as a leader focused on reforms, accountability, and fair distribution of resources. He urged voters to consider new leadership that would prioritise transparency and equal opportunities for all residents.
Despite the criticism, Mugabe dismissed the accusations as politically motivated attacks aimed at damaging his reputation ahead of the next election cycle.
He insisted that his focus remains on serving the people rather than responding to every political accusation made by rivals.
“Your noise will not stop me from doing my work. I will continue serving the people, and in the end residents will judge who brought development and who only made noise,” Mugabe responded.
The MP also emphasised that solving the challenges facing Likuyani requires broader cooperation beyond local funding channels.
He noted that relying only on CDF allocations is not enough to transform the constituency, adding that leaders must build connections and seek support from different government institutions to attract meaningful development projects.
As the political temperatures continue rising in Likuyani ahead of 2027, Mugabe’s remarks are likely to deepen debate over whether leaders should prioritise political loyalty or opposition activism in their pursuit of development for local communities.
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