Political leaders in Wajir South voiced strong backing for President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election during a Sunday gathering that transformed a development visit into a display of political unity behind the Head of State.
Led by Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, and local elected officials, the leaders commended the President’s development achievements in the North Eastern region and called on residents to support him for a second term.
Health CS Aden Duale emphasized that the Somali community had experienced a newfound sense of inclusion in government under President Ruto’s leadership.
“It is only under President Ruto’s government that we, as the Somali community, feel fully integrated into the national fabric. You have restored our dignity, and for that alone we express our gratitude and eternal appreciation,” Duale stated.
He noted that many professionals from the region now occupy senior positions within government institutions.
“The only accusation the president faces from his critics is his insistence that all Kenyans must receive equal treatment regardless of tribe, religion, or ethnicity,” he added.
Governor Abdullahi justified the leaders’ public endorsement of the president, highlighting substantial development progress in the region under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“We have every justification to rally behind President Ruto’s re-election bid, and we make no apologies for it,” he affirmed.
The governor referenced ongoing investments in water, electricity, and infrastructure, as well as the construction of the Wajir International Stadium.
“The Singapore vision the president frequently references is materializing todaythrough improved water access, electricity connections, enhanced infrastructure, the Wajir Stadium project, and numerous other developments,” he explained.
Abdullahi indicated that while competition might emerge for other electoral positions in 2027, the region had already chosen its preferred presidential candidate.
“Different contests may occur for other seats, but there is no contest for the presidency in our region,” he said.
Ruto visited Habaswein to launch the Habaswein Town Power Mini-Grid and Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Project, which seeks to broaden electricity access and stimulate economic growth in the area.
The president also examined road construction projects in Habaswein town, which local officials noted were enhancing connectivity and transforming the region.
Speaking to residents, Ruto committed to ending what he termed the decades-long marginalization of the Northeastern region.
“I am the only president who will completely eradicate the marginalization that has plagued this northeastern region,” he declared.
The President announced that Sh100 million has been earmarked for the construction of an airstrip in Habaswein to improve transportation and stimulate economic activity.
He also spotlighted investments in sports infrastructure, revealing that the government has already allocated Sh1 billion for the Wajir International Stadium.
“Another stadium will be built in Mandera as part of our dedication to developing talent and promoting sports throughout the region,” he said.
Ruto also targeted his political opponents, dismissing their criticisms and asserting that his rivals lack a concrete development plan.
“Our opponents have no agenda or strategy to advance this nation forward. All they engage in is baseless rhetoric about ‘one term’ and ‘Kasongo’,” he stated.
The President’s itinerary included inspecting ongoing road construction in Griftu town, Wajir West Constituency, before concluding with Madaraka Day celebrations at the newly constructed Wajir International Stadium.