National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Muli has dismissed the plans for the upgrading of the Kyuso–Tseikuru–Kandua Road in Kitui County, terming it a political gimmick meant to benefit a few rather than a genuine developmental project.

In a statement on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, Muli faulted the two politicians for their roles in the underdevelopment of the Ukambani region, where one served as former vice president and the other as deputy president.

Road upgrade

The lawyer also questioned the government’s timing for undertaking the infrastructural project, coming as the nation heads toward the 2027 elections.“

We have the spat between Ruto and Kalonzo on the development projects in Ukambani,” he stated. “I listened carefully, and I want to tell them that they are both at fault.”

“Kalonzo failed to achieve anything meaningful as the leader of the Kamba nation. Ruto was the Deputy President and did nothing for us. Now he is the president. He has now decided to act—but why now?”

“These leaders should not play games with us. The question is why now if it is not meant to play us so that we vote in a particular pattern,” he added.

His remarks come after the government, through the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) initiated plans to commence tarmacking of the road days after verbal sparring between Ruto and the Wiper leader.

In a notice dated Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) invited bids for the rehabilitation of the road, which is set to see it upgraded to bitumen standards.

“Under Tender Number KeNHA/2924/2025, the authority intends to strengthen the Kandwia–Kyuso Road and upgrade the Kyuso–Tseikuru (852) Road to bitumen standards,” part of the authority’s statement stated.

According to KeNHA, the pre-tender site visit will be conducted on January 15, 2026, at 10:00 am at Kandwia Shopping Centre, while the tender submission and closing will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 11:00 am at KeNHA headquarters.

The proclamations came after Ruto accused Kalonzo of failing the Ukambani people in developing important infrastructures, such as roads, during his tenure as vice president.

He also accused Kalonzo of misleading Kenyans by taking credit for a project he did not complete.