Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto’s team on Saturday intensified campaigns in Isiolo South, drumming up support for the UDA candidate in the upcoming parliamentary by-election while sharply criticising the opposition.
Led by Ruto’s close aide Farouk Kibet and Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo, the leaders held rallies in Kinna and Garbatulla, urging residents to back Tubi Mohamed Tubi, the UDA flag bearer in the mini-polls.
The by-election follows the death of the area’s sitting Member of Parliament, Mohamed Tubi.
Tubi is the son of the late legislator, a factor leaders said gives him insight into the constituency’s development priorities and the unfinished agenda of his father.
During the rallies, the Kenya Kwanza leaders directed criticism at the opposition, alleging it was promoting division and acting contrary to the interests of Isiolo residents and other Kenyans.
Kibet told locals that their future was safer within government ranks than in the opposition, which he said opposed key development programmes rolled out by the current administration.
“Those in the so-called United Opposition are saying that if they win this election, they will take away the identity cards that this government issued to you,” Kibet claimed.
The President’s aide also defended flagship government projects such as the affordable housing programme, saying the opposition was seeking to discontinue initiatives that are transforming lives and creating jobs.
“The main problem they have with the President is that he has built roads reaching places that had never seen tarmac before,” Kibet said, adding that the opposition relies on misinformation, fear-mongering and negative ethnicity.
He urged residents to vote for Tubi, saying the UDA candidate has the capacity and leadership credentials to advance development in Isiolo South.
Governor Guyo echoed the sentiments, describing Tubi as the best candidate to continue his father’s legacy and champion the needs of the local community.
“In honour of the late MP and his family, I urge you to elect Tubi. A vote for Tubi is a vote for continuity, family and progress in Isiolo South,” the governor said.
Guyo described Isiolo as a UDA and President Ruto stronghold, warning that those seeking to challenge the ruling party’s position in the county would be “shocked at the ballot.”
He credited the Kenya Kwanza administration with opening up the region through infrastructure and social services, citing road projects, housing developments and the issuance of national identity cards without what he described as discriminatory vetting.
“For the first time, we have a tarmac road linking Mandera to Isiolo. Our people are now getting IDs without being treated like foreigners in their own country,” he said.
Isiolo Woman Representative Mumina Bonaya said the community had already resolved to back Tubi following consultations involving elders, women, youth and elected leaders.
“Following the passing of Hon. Mohamed Tubi, the people of Isiolo unanimously agreed to endorse his son, Hon. Tubi Mohamed Tubi, to complete his father’s term and legacy,” she said.
She called on residents to turn out in large numbers on February 26 to vote for the UDA candidate.
Later, the leaders attended an infrastructure support harambee for Algani Girls High School, where Sh10 million was raised to boost learning facilities.
A pledge was also made to purchase a school bus, while the Woman Representative committed her office to provide a 50-KVA power generator worth Sh2 million in the next financial year.
“This is leadership rooted in unity, development and promises kept,” Bonaya said.
Other leaders present included Eldas MP Adan Keynan, Saku MP Dido Raso, Marsabit Senator Mohamed Chute, Moyale MP Prof Guyo Jaldesa, Tana River Woman Representative Amina Dika, former governors Godana Doyo and Hussein Dado, as well as county speakers from Isiolo and Tana River.
