President William Samoei Ruto on Sunday evening arrived in Kakamega County to begin a five-day development tour of Western Kenya, in a visit that comes amid rising political tensions with regional leaders who have recently intensified criticism of his administration.
The President kicked off the tour by inspecting the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion works at Kakamega Airstrip, a project the government says will enhance regional air connectivity and open the region to trade and tourism.
“Arrived in Kakamega County this evening to kick off a five-day development tour across the counties of Western Kenya. Inspected the ongoing rehabilitation and expansion works at Kakamega Airstrip, a key project that will strengthen regional air connectivity and support trade and tourism,” Ruto said.
The visit comes days after Nairobi Senator Edwin W. Sifuna hosted the opposition-backed Linda Mwananchi forum, where leaders criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration and rallied supporters to defend what they termed as citizens’ rights and economic justice.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the government, frequently challenging Ruto’s policies and accusing the administration of failing to address the high cost of living.
At the same time, Trans Nzoia George Natembeya has also taken an increasingly confrontational stance against the President, accusing the national government of neglecting Western Kenya in development planning.
Natembeya’s remarks have fuelled a growing political debate in the region, with leaders calling for greater national investment and inclusion in government programmes.
Ruto’s visit is therefore being closely watched as both a development and political mission, as the President seeks to strengthen his influence in Western Kenya — a region historically aligned with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Government officials say the expansion of Kakamega Airstrip will allow the facility to accommodate larger aircraft and increase passenger and cargo traffic, potentially boosting tourism and easing the movement of agricultural produce from the region.
The President is expected to tour several counties in Western Kenya during the five-day visit, launching and inspecting projects while engaging local leaders and residents as the political contest for the region continues to intensify.
