Jakakimba defends Ruto development record amid Homa Bay infrastructure criticism

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Homa Bay Secretary Silas Jakakimba has defended President William Ruto’s development record, arguing that ongoing infrastructure projects in Nyanza demonstrate a deliberate effort by the government to address decades of marginalisation in the region.

Jakakimba, a former Raila Odinga aide and Suba North Parliamentary aspirant, made the remarks in a statement that appears to respond to growing criticism of the state of infrastructure in Homa Bay County following the latest Linda Mwananchi tour of the region.

The tour on Sunday, August 16, was marked by disruption after sections of the movement’s convoy encountered roadblocks mounted by youths, forcing the leaders to navigate alternative routes in parts of the county.

The scenes, which were widely shared online, also triggered renewed debate over the condition of roads in Homa Bay, with some social media users drawing comparisons between parts of the county and conflict-affected areas abroad.

Jakakimba, however, argued that the images should instead serve as a reminder of the scale of the infrastructure deficit that has faced parts of Homa Bay and the wider Nyanza region for decades.

“Even though we all know that at least 6 roads are under active construction in the Lowlands, including Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori, yesterday's images from a remote corner of Subaland are a reminder that the reality of marginalization is still not fully appreciated across Kenya,” he said.

He said towns along the Lake Victoria shoreline, including Nyandiwa, Sindo and Mbita Point, had the potential to become major economic centres if supported by adequate transport networks and other public infrastructure.

“Fishing towns such as Nyandiwa, Sindo or even Mbita Point should be thriving, supported by good roads, reliable electricity, clean water and other quality public amenities,” Jakakimba said.

“Instead, many have endured decades of systemic neglect and decay.”

The Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori road is among the major infrastructure projects currently underway in the region.

The 74-kilometre project, which connects parts of Homa Bay and Migori counties, was launched by President Ruto in 2023 and is intended to improve connectivity along the Lake Victoria corridor and support fishing, agriculture and trade.

Government data from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority lists the Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Karungu road as an active project, with a length of 74 kilometres and a contract value of about Ksh.2.47 billion.

In June, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said more than 17 kilometres of the road had been completed to bitumen standards, with construction continuing around Sindo and Kiabuya.

The road has been presented by the government as a major intervention for an area that has historically suffered poor connectivity, particularly during rainy seasons.

President Ruto's administration has also pointed to other projects in Homa Bay, including the Rusinga Ring Road and the Adiedo-Karabok road, as part of a wider infrastructure programme in the county.

Jakakimba, who is seeking to unseat long-serving Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo in the 2027 General Election, said the ongoing projects should be viewed in the context of the region's longstanding development challenges rather than through the lens of political rivalry.

He credited Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as among the Kenyan leaders who, in his view, recognised that the country remained significantly below its development potential.

“President Ruto is among the few Kenyan leaders, alongside the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who have truly recognized that Kenya’s level of development remains far below its potential, despite the country’s immense capacity to leapfrog forward,” he said.

Jakakimba, who worked with Raila for nearly two decades before moving into the UDA camp, has previously said his decision to support Ruto was informed by his belief that the President could help “ground transformation” in Kenya.

His latest intervention comes against the backdrop of growing political competition in Homa Bay, traditionally an ODM stronghold, ahead of the 2027 elections.

Jakakimba has positioned himself as a UDA-aligned alternative in Suba North, where he is expected to face Odhiambo, who has represented the constituency for more than 17 years.

The former Raila aide has increasingly built his political message around development, economic empowerment and a shift away from what he describes as traditional political mobilisation.

His latest statement similarly called for Kenyans to believe in the country's capacity to transform, arguing that investment in infrastructure and human capital could lift millions of people out of poverty.

“We must believe in ourselves. A nation endowed with such vast resources—especially its human capital—has the capacity to lift millions out of poverty through deliberate planning, sound policies, and a clear vision for shared prosperity,” he said.

Jakakimba further argued that the infrastructure deficit exposed during the Linda Mwananchi tour should strengthen, rather than weaken, the case for accelerated development.

“If Kenya is to rapidly transform and achieve the high standards of living already being enjoyed by other Africans in this same continent, we must embrace and match the boldness at the very top,” he said.

“Kenya is being leveled up under President Ruto, and the goal must be to ensure that this transformation reaches every corner of the country as is happening in Nyanza and other regions across the nation.”