Murkomen defends Ruto’s development record in Rift Valley ahead of tour
By Emmanuel Rono, July 25, 2026Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has defended the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record in Rift Valley, dismissing claims on social media that counties in the region have been sidelined ahead of President William Ruto’s planned visit.
Speaking in Bomet on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Murkomen said development projects were being implemented equitably across the country, insisting that Bomet is benefiting from the same level of government investment as other counties.
“The development taking place in Mombasa, North Eastern, Central, Rift Valley and Nyanza is the same in every county. Let no one mislead Kenyans with propaganda that some counties have been neglected,” Murkomen said.
Social media use
The CS took issue with leaders and a section of social media users claiming that little had been done in Bomet and other Rift Valley counties, saying many of the projects currently under construction were initiated when he served as Roads Cabinet Secretary before being transferred to the Interior docket.
Murkomen recalled overseeing the planning and design of several road projects, including the Kapkwen–Olbutyo–Siongiroi road, which he said has now moved into the implementation phase.
“When I was Roads CS, we came here and assessed these roads together. The Kapkwen–Olbutyo–Siongiroi road is now starting because the contractor has already been awarded,” he said.
He also cited the ongoing construction of the Kaptembuliet road, the Sachora–Sigor–Chebunyo road, Chebole–Siongiroi–Chebunyo road, Kapkoros access road, Silibwet–Merigi road, and the Silibwet–Olenguruone–Mauche road, saying some contractors were already on site while others were expected to begin work within days.
Transformation at Bomet town
According to Murkomen, Bomet Town is also undergoing major transformation through urban road upgrades, while the Kapkwen Airstrip is being expanded with a passenger terminal and connecting roads.
He further revealed that the government was investing about Ksh1.2 billion in the Affordable Housing Programme in Bomet after completing the first phase, with the second phase set to begin.
Murkomen praised Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir for sustaining projects initiated during his tenure and advancing road financing reforms through the securitisation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.
“CS Davis Chirchir is doing a good job. People may not notice because he is not a politician, but road projects are progressing across Kenya,” he said.
The Interior CS also defended the government’s decision to securitise future proceeds from the Road Maintenance Levy, accusing opposition politicians of rejecting the plan for political reasons despite previously supporting it while in government.
Murkomen’s remarks come as President Ruto continues his development tours across different regions, where he has commissioned completed projects and inspected ongoing infrastructure works amid increasing political scrutiny over the government’s development record. The president is expected to visit the region soon.