Kibwezi West Member of Parliament (MP) Mwengi Mutuse has hit out at former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka for failing to deliver roads in his home area.

Speaking during a public gathering in Kisayani on Saturday, January 31, 2026, Mutuse criticised Kalonzo’s record while praising the government’s ongoing infrastructure projects.

“Unajua Mweshimiwa Farouk. Unajua kuna watu wamefanya kazi Kenya miaka nyingi. Mtu amekuwa kiongozi miaka arobaini. Mtu amekuwa kiongozi kama miaka hamsini, na kwake barabara ni ya vumbi na ni matope. Mimi hapa kwangu staki ikuwe ni vumbi na matope,” Mutuse said.

Kalonzo has defended his record, and one of the roads he says he initiated is the Kibwezi-Kitui highway. Kalonzo, the Wiper party leader, officially launched the road while serving as vice president, promising it would transform transport in the arid region. Construction stalled, however, after initial funding ran out.

Supporters argue Kalonzo deserves credit. Phillip Kaloki, a former MP, said, “Kalonzo Musyoka negotiated and launched the Kibwezi-Kitui road. Others took credit.”

Kalonzo himself urged President William Ruto to finish the work. “Keep your word – complete the Kibwezi-Kitui road,” he told the President in December 2025.

Ruto hits back hard

Ruto has repeatedly criticised Kalonzo over the roads.

“Kalonzo is claiming that he is the one who launched the road from Kibwezi all the way to Mbondoni. I want to tell him to look for fools,” he said during a rally.

“This man has not had the sense to build a road to his own home, yet he has been in government for over 50 years. So where will he get the sense to plan or build a road for you?” he added in another speech.

Ruto made these remarks while commissioning road upgrades in Kalonzo’s backyard, claiming his administration revived the projects. He accused Kalonzo of being a naysayer who lectures on development without results.

Kalonzo responded to Ruto’s attacks, defending his legacy.

“I launched these roads, and now they relaunch them as new,” he said, accusing Ruto of taking credit for initiatives from the Kibaki era.