Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior & National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, met with representatives from the World Bank and the Ministry of Roads and Transport over the 750 km Mandera-Wajir-Isiolo Road that was recently launched by President William Ruto.

Taking to his official X account on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Murkomen stated that he had met the said officials to discuss security and administrative issues in the construction of the road.

“Met with representatives from the World Bank and the Ministry of Roads and Transport to discuss security and administrative issues in the construction of the 750 km road that traverses Isiolo, Wajir, and Mandera counties,” Murkomen stated.

Murkomen pledges support

Murkomen further pledged to collaborate with the Ministry of Roads and Transport in implementing the road, which he says is a flagship project.

“As a ministry, we pledge to collaborate with the Ministry of Roads and Transport in implementing this road flagship project recently launched by H.E. President William Ruto,” he added.

Kenyans’ reactions

Last month, the Mandera-Isiolo Road was a subject of nationwide debate, with a section of Kenyans mocking Ruto, accusing him of selling a pipe dream.

During his recent tour of Northern Kenya, Ruto’s announcement of the road expansion project sparked a wave of online reactions.

Kenyans flooded social media with memes, particularly after Ruto named various stops along the stretch in rapid succession.

Standing atop his vehicle, surrounded by a large crowd in the sweltering Isiolo sun, Ruto passionately detailed the road’s route, demonstrating his mastery of the region’s geography.

“Ndio barabara itoke Mandera, ikuje Ramu, ikuje Garre, ikuje El-Wak, ikuje Kobo, ikuje pale Kotulo, ikuje Tarbat, ipitie hapa Wajir, iende Samatan, iteremke Modogashe, ifike Isiolo, iende Nairobi…” Ruto said, with the clip of this moment quickly going viral, with Kenyans linking it to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s previous remarks about Ruto’s deep knowledge of rural roads and local markets.

However, Ruto rushed off the criticism, asserting that while some may think they are jokes, he remains committed to delivering the 750-kilometer Isiolo-Mandera road.

Speaking on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Ruto emphasized that the tarmacking of this key road is central to ensuring the equitable distribution of national resources.

“I am committed to delivering the 750 km road from Isiolo to Mandera because, for a very long time, we have left Northern Kenya behind,” Ruto stated.

He warned critics who doubt his ability to fulfill his promises, cautioning them not to take their jokes too far, as they might be in for a rude shock.

“Let me tell you, my good people, in this country, we sometimes treat matters of life and death as if they are a joke,” Ruto remarked.

Kindiki defends the project

His deputy, Kithure Kindiki, also came to his defense, telling off the critics who thought the promise was a pipe dream.

Speaking during a consultative meeting with Meru leaders at his Karen residence on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the DP watered down the claims that the president was only making empty promises, noting that the construction of the road had already begun.

He noted that eleven contractors were already on the ground overseeing the construction of the road, which will run from Isiolo to Mandera.

“I was with the president the other day in Northern Kenya. I saw some people making a lot of fun about the long road he was explaining, and actually I was very happy when I saw people trying to mock the president because I have information that they don’t have: that road is going to be constructed.

“This government is going to construct a road from Isiolo to Mandera in the next two and a half years; there are eleven contractors on the ground as we speak, each with a stretch of about 100 plus kilometers, some sections 40-50 percent isolated tarmac, but because the person making jests ako kwa simu hajui, hajui Samatan wala Kotulo ni wapi. So anafanya mzaha and you know when 2027 comes we will use that road from Isiolo to Mandera,” he said.