Ruto’s Ukambani Tour Turns Dramatic After Heated Exchange With Makueni MCA
President William Ruto’s three-day development tour of the Ukambani region took an unexpected turn on Wednesday, November 12, after he appeared visibly irked by a local ward representative’s public remarks in Makueni County.
Ruto, who was inspecting and launching various infrastructure projects across the region, briefly lost his composure after a Member of the County Assembly (MCA) from Makueni appeared to issue him directives in front of a large crowd.
The exchange occurred during a public meeting in Nguu, where the MCA took the microphone to address the President. He began by expressing gratitude for Ruto’s visit before reminding him of a series of pledges he allegedly made to local residents during his time as Deputy President in 2021.
According to the MCA, Ruto had promised to oversee the construction of the Mooni Bridge, the issuance of title deeds to residents of the Nguu area, and the expansion of electricity connections once he assumed office. While acknowledging that electrification works had begun, the county legislator noted that the progress had been “too slow” for many residents.
The MCA then shifted focus to the Kibumbu Settlement Scheme, explaining that funds had already been allocated at the county level to facilitate land surveys and the issuance of title deeds — but a key approval letter from the Ministry of Lands was still pending.
“I have spoken to the minister, and we are only waiting for one letter from his office so that the remaining people can be surveyed and issued with title deeds,” the MCA told the gathering.
“And I am requesting you, with all due respect, that next year in February, as your child here in Makueni, please come to Matutu yourself to hand over the title deeds and officially open that bridge,” he added, drawing murmurs and laughter from the crowd.
While the President initially appeared amused, his tone shifted as he addressed the issue. Turning to Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Ruto directed her to expedite the process of issuing the pending letter. He also instructed Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir to allocate funds for the completion of the Mooni Bridge.
“Alice, that letter is needed from this guy so that we can issue the title deeds. You, the Minister for Roads, I owe this person a bridge called Mooni. Allocate funds for it, and by February, I expect that bridge to be complete. Right?” Ruto said, prompting cheers from the audience.
Moments later, however, Ruto turned to the MCA with a mix of humour and irritation, chastising him for appearing to “give orders” to the Head of State in a public forum.
“But now you, MCA, you come to give me orders during my meeting. Do you not know that I am the President of Kenya?” Ruto asked, smiling as the crowd burst into laughter.
“You see, this is what we mean by the bottom-up approach. The person at the bottom is pushing the one at the top,” he added, turning the reprimand into a humorous reflection on his administration’s grassroots economic model.
The exchange has since gone viral on social media, with mixed reactions from Kenyans. Some praised the MCA’s boldness in holding the President accountable for past promises, while others viewed his tone as disrespectful.
President Ruto’s Ukambani tour, which includes stops in Machakos, Makueni, and Kitui counties, is part of his government’s ongoing effort to accelerate regional development and solidify political support in a region traditionally aligned with opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Also Read: Lulu Hassan Responds to Viral Billboard, Addresses Claims of Mvita MP Ambition
Ruto’s Ukambani Tour Turns Dramatic After Heated Exchange With Makueni MCA