Orwoba accuses Ruto of broken promises, highlights gaps in Kisii development
By Faith Lagat, February 27, 2026Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, calling him a “smart liar” and accusing him of failing to deliver on key development promises in Kisii.
In a candid interview on February 26, 2026, Orwoba said: “If I personally knew that William Ruto is a liar, I would not even have been in that camp,” highlighting her initial support before her fallout with the government.
She emphasised that personality politics plays a major role in evaluating leadership and that voters should consider the character of political leaders alongside their promises.
Orwoba pointed to several pledges from Ruto’s campaigns and the Kenya Kwanza manifesto, which included region-specific economic charters she helped draft.
For Kisii, these focused on local resources like soapstone mining and crafts, aiming to boost artisans and related industries. She said: “He’s done nothing,” stressing that no progress has been made over the past four years.
She also cited promises for cottage industries tied to Kisii’s matoke (bananas), aimed at processing and exporting finished products, which she said remain unimplemented.
Infrastructure and development gaps
Infrastructure projects were a major part of Orwoba’s critique. She referenced two major dams—one in Nyamira and the Bonyunyu dam—promised to improve water supply but never completed.
She also noted the repeated road promises that remain unrealised, saying such commitments have become a running joke in Kisii.
On healthcare, she acknowledged the Kisii Cancer Centre but described the repeated announcements as political theatre. “William Ruto has launched the cancer centre in Kisii. He’s done groundbreaking like three times,” she said, referring to ceremonies she attended both while in government with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and after their ouster.
Orwoba argued that the project falls short of delivering meaningful benefits to residents.
Electoral interference
Orwoba’s strongest criticisms targeted alleged electoral malpractice. She claimed that Ruto’s only notable action in Kisii was facilitating bribes worth hundreds of millions during the last election for three MCA wards.
She also described initiatives like the Nyota program as disguised bribes. While acknowledging these claims as opinion, she stood by them, noting her knowledge of local dynamics as a Kisii native.