Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has launched a scathing attack on critics of President William Ruto in Western Kenya, accusing them of deliberately opposing development to keep the region economically marginalised.

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Etale took issue with individuals chanting anti-Ruto slogans such as “Ruto Wantam”, arguing that such rhetoric ignores the progress being made in infrastructure and economic empowerment.

He claimed that some of the loudest critics are either beneficiaries or descendants of past systems that allegedly sidelined Western Kenya economically.

“Those from Western Kenya shouting “Ruto WANTAM” were there or are children or relatives of those who were there when our region was sidelined economically and only left to sing SOCIAL songs as the people were reduced to pulling or pushing vehicles off the mud during rainy seasons for a few pieces of coins,” Etale stated.

He argued that these groups are uncomfortable with the region’s transformation and would rather see residents remain dependent on handouts than benefit from long-term development projects.

“They do not want development so that our people can remain survivors and dependent on handouts,” Etale remarked.

Proposed infrastructure developments

He further pointed to ongoing and proposed infrastructure developments, including the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension and expansion of road networks, as evidence of the government’s commitment to uplifting the region.

He noted that improved transport systems would not only ease traffic congestion but also reduce road accidents and enhance trade between Western Kenya and the rest of the country.

Etale also highlighted rural access roads, saying they are key to unlocking economic opportunities for communities that have long struggled with poor connectivity.

In a rallying call, Etale urged residents of Western Kenya to reject what he termed ‘regressive politics’ and embrace development-focused leadership.

“They do not what development so that our people can remain survivors and dependent on handouts. They are even surprised that we can now have SGR to ease traffic congestion and road accidents, a dual carriage road network that can accelerate road transport from the seat of power to our region, and well done access roads in the rural areas,” he stated.

“They want to continue giving hope to the people the when the government can make them hope and think. Bwana Kenyans of today are not Kenyans of yesterday. We want PAWAAAAA.”

Etale-Njeri Maina exchange

Etale’s remarks come a day after he hit out at Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina for her criticism of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha to Malaba.

Taking to his official X account on Monday, March 23, 2026, Etale accused Maina of double standards after she raised concerns about the cost and viability of extending the SGR from Naivasha to Malaba, warning that the project could saddle taxpayers with unsustainable debt.

In his response, Etale acknowledged that Kenyans would indeed shoulder the financial burden of the railway project but argued that this was not unique to the SGR.

He pointed to past infrastructure developments, including the Thika Super Highway, noting that taxpayers funded it despite ongoing debates about its economic returns.

“Hon. Njeri Maina, I agree the taxpayer is going to bear the burden… but wasn’t it the same taxpayer that paid for the Thika Super Highway?” Etale posed.

Etale further accused the legislator of being selectively critical, suggesting that opposition to major infrastructure projects intensifies when they are perceived to benefit certain regions.

He warned against what he described as politicising development, adding that leaders should support national projects regardless of regional considerations.

“Wacheni kutubeba mafala. When it comes to Western Kenya, you become too noisy,” he said.