Ruto dismisses Kalonzo’s claim over Kibwezi-Tseikuru-Maua road project
By Kenneth Mwenda, December 16, 2025President William Ruto has dismissed claims by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka that he launched the construction of the Kibwezi–Maua road, insisting the project was carried out during the Jubilee administration after 2013.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in Tobong’u Lore, Lodwar, Turkana County, Ruto said the road was built after he and former President Uhuru Kenyatta assumed office following the 2013 General Election. He said the government has records to show when and under whose leadership the project was implemented.
Ruto accused Kalonzo of misleading Kenyans by taking credit for a project he did not complete. He said the facts are clear and available, adding that Kenyans are informed and cannot be deceived about major public works.
“He is claiming that he launched the road from Kibwezi to Mbondoni. I want to tell him to look for fools; there are no fools in Kenya anymore,” Ruto said. “That road was not built by him. It was built by Uhuru and me when we took over government, and we have the facts.”
The president also took issue with Kalonzo’s response to earlier remarks about his long political career. Ruto had said Kalonzo has been in politics for about 50 years, a claim the Wiper leader disputed, saying his career spans 40 years.
Ruto said the difference did not change the substance of his argument. He questioned Kalonzo’s record, especially on infrastructure development, and challenged him to explain why key roads in his home area remained in poor condition despite decades in leadership.
“He says it is not 50 years but 40 years. Are 40 years just two days?” Ruto asked. “In 40 years, how many years do you need to plan a road to your own home?”
Kalonzo defends road launch
On Monday, December 15, Kalonzo said that while serving as Vice President, he launched the construction of the road passing through Tseikuru. He stated that the project was awarded to the Chinese firm Sinohydro and claimed he commissioned the contractor.
“When I was vice president, I launched the construction of the road with Sinohydro. I want Ruto to deny,” Kalonzo said. He added that the road runs from Kibwezi through Mutomo, Kitui, Mwingi and Tseikuru to Maua, and forms part of a wider regional link connecting Ethiopia to Mombasa.
The exchange follows remarks by Ruto on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when he criticised long-serving opposition leaders for questioning his administration’s infrastructure plans. Speaking during a church service in Kiambu County, Ruto said his government plans to build 28,000 kilometres of roads by 2032, on top of the 10,000 kilometres constructed during Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure.
Ruto argued that criticism from the opposition reflects poor planning during their time in office. He said leaders who failed to improve infrastructure in their own areas lack the moral authority to question national development plans.
The disagreement highlights growing political tension over infrastructure records and future development, as both leaders seek to shape public opinion ahead of key policy debates and the next electoral cycle in Kenya.