On 2018-11-20, Deputy President William Ruto’s recent string of visits to Gusii region turned into a political argument over development, funding and the 2022 General Election. In the past month, he had toured seven constituencies in the area, leaving only Kitutu Chache North, Bomachoge Borabu and Bobasi among the nine constituencies he had not visited in the previous 30 days.
During the trips, Ruto commissioned technical training institutions and roads, and also led harambees for schools and churches. His appearances have been marked by close cooperation with several MPs from Nyamira and Kisii counties, a region often viewed as an opposition stronghold.
Critics, however, accused him of turning Government-funded projects into a personal political platform. They also questioned whether the proposed projects were actually provided for in the budget.
ODM national treasurer Timothy Bosire demanded answers on how the projects would be financed. He said: “Work is yet to start on most of the projects the deputy president has commissioned. He should understand that Government projects can never be undertaken by an individual. He is only doing this to gain political capital ahead of the 2022 General Election,” said Bosire.
Bosire also challenged Ruto’s statement that people whose land would be taken for the proposed Bunyunyu Dam would be compensated. He said no clear compensation guidelines had been issued and asked for the number of affected people, the amount each would receive and the full scope of the project to be made public.
Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama also pressed the deputy president to spell out his plans for the Gusii community. Arama said the region had leaders capable of contesting high office and wanted assurances about its place in Ruto’s administration if he won. He added: “Ruto had better speak now or we will have no option but to front one of our own to face him and the rest of the candidates in 2022.”
Ruto’s supporters in the region rejected the claim that the visits were tied to 2022 politics. They said the tours were about development, not succession games.
Among those backing him were Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi and MPs Sylvanus Osoro of South Mugirango, Alfa Miruka of Bomachoge Chache and Ezekiel Machogu of Nyaribari Masaba. Maangi said: “I will always speak the truth no matter what. I am not a poor man to seek handouts from the DP. The fact that the DP and I have developed a working relationship should not be a problem to anyone,” said Maangi.
Osoro said Ruto was not trying to sideline any leader in the region as he pursued the presidency. He added: “I have no apologies for being his point man. I will be happy to see Ruto win the presidency, even if I lose my seat,” Osoro said. He further said: “We have come together because we have a common agenda, to develop the areas we represent.”
Another supporter, Muka, said the camp stood behind Ruto because of his consistency and seriousness on development. “We support Ruto because of his consistency and seriousness in ensuring all areas are developed. We are moving in the right direction. We remain united unless some people who have been preoccupied with the fear of the unknown begin their usual in-fighting,” said Muka.
While launching the projects, Ruto repeatedly urged residents to change their voting pattern, a message that kept the 2022 contest at the centre of the debate around his Gusii tours.
