Kakamega Deputy Governor Ayub Savula has criticised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka for dismissing the Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi as nonsense, saying he is ashamed of the former vice president’s remarks.

Speaking during a local televised interview on Monday, May 11, 2026, Savula defended President William Ruto’s leadership and the relevance of the high-level summit attended by multiple global leaders.

Africa Forward Summit and political response

Savula criticised Kalonzo’s remarks on the Africa Forward Summit, noting that the event brought together 27 heads of state, including French President Emmanuel Macron, and resulted in bilateral agreements worth Ksh150 billion focused on infrastructure and energy cooperation.

“You are dismissing a forum attended by 27 presidents,” he said, questioning the value of Kalonzo’s past role in foreign affairs.

Kalonzo, speaking at Seed of Hope Church in Donholm, dismissed Kenya’s role as summit host, attributing it to divisions among Francophone countries rather than merit. He also raised concerns over governance, human rights, and security issues, including theillegal issuance of identity documents to foreigners and unresolved cases of political violence.

Governance and development debate

Savula defended the summit’s outcomes, arguing that it reflected increased international engagement and investment opportunities for Kenya. He contrasted the current diplomatic activity with past administrations, saying earlier engagements were largely limited to bilateral meetings.

Development record

Savula used the interview to highlight ongoing infrastructure developments in Kakamega County. He cited revived road projects, including the Lurambi-Bungoma road, which had stalled since 2017 and is now under tarmacking.

He also mentioned the Tarbo-Seghendu road, Airport-Chepsonoe road, and Museno-Kaimosi road, noting that several sections are currently under construction.

Additionally, he referenced the Mwingi-Zeikuru road as an example of ongoing national infrastructure expansion. “This is when this boy William Samoei Ruto was in class seven, when Kalonzo Musyoka was a minister,” Savula said.

He further defended the securitisation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), saying the financing model would support large-scale road development projects across the country.

Savula linked the infrastructure drive to Kenya’s broader economic performance, stating that the country’s economy stands at about 150 billion US dollars with a growth rate of 4.9 per cent, and projecting expansion to 300 billion US dollars. He also pointed to the Standard Gauge Railway extension to Malaba as key to strengthening trade with Uganda, Kenya’s largest regional trading partner.

He urged continued support for the government’s development agenda, saying the focus should remain on infrastructure, economic growth, and international partnerships. The exchange highlights growing political divisions over development priorities and foreign policy engagement ahead of future electoral cycles.