Bomet’s first governor, Isaac Rutto, has called on leaders eyeing the county’s gubernatorial seat in the 2027 general election to embrace peaceful and issue-based campaigns.

Speaking during an interview with a local radio station on Friday, June 26, 2026, Rutto urged his rivals to focus on engaging voters directly at their places of work and within their communities instead of mobilising crowds from one location to another during campaign tours.

He said campaigns should be centred on presenting development agendas rather than displaying political strength through large gatherings.

“The essence of an election is for candidates to explain their agenda to the people. Leaders should visit wananchi where they are and tell them what they intend to do if elected, instead of transporting supporters from one place to another,” Rutto said.

Moving away from traditional campaign promises

Rutto said political leaders should move away from traditional campaign promises centred on roads and instead focus on policies that directly improve residents’ incomes and quality of life.

According to Rutto, while infrastructure remains important, the county’s greatest challenge is ensuring households have sustainable sources of income.

“The agenda of promising roads has been there for many years. What matters now is how people earn a living and whether their livelihoods are improving,” he said.

Why prioritise agriculture

Rutto said his priority would be creating employment opportunities and strengthening agricultural production, arguing that agriculture remains the backbone of Bomet’s economy and the sector with the greatest potential to raise household incomes.

He noted that some residents have questioned why agriculture features so prominently in his agenda, but maintained that improving farming is the most practical way to transform the county’s economy.

“My focus is on improving livelihoods. At the end of a given period, we should be able to measure whether people’s lives have improved and whether they are earning more than before,” he said.

The former governor said leadership should be evaluated on its ability to improve residents’ economic well-being rather than on campaign rhetoric or infrastructure projects alone.