President William Ruto has announced rescheduling his development tour of the Ukambani region after his initial tour was cut short by Raila Odinga’s passing on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

The president was initially scheduled to tour the region on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the same day that Raila died in India.

Speaking during Mashujaa Day Celebrations on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Kitui County, Ruto confirmed that he would extend the tour for two weeks. He noted that the region had lagged in terms of development and pledged to redress this.

“I had plans to tour this region for a development tour starting from Wednesday. The visit was to last for a five-day tour of this region, but because of the tragedy that befell us with the passing of Raila Odinga.

“I have moved the plans ahead. I will now be here for two weeks,” he announced.

Also watch: Ruto reveals how he received news of Raila Odinga’s death.

The president said that the region would be brought on par with other regions of Kenya, emphasising his vision for the area he said has lagged in terms of development.

“I will be here for a purpose because this region of Ukambani has lagged. I have made a vow that it will not lag.”

“We are citizens of one nation, politics of discrimination and exclusion that have seen our country not progressing must end. I have devoted myself to bringing this region at par with other regions of Kenya,” he stated.

Also watch: Inside Ruto’s plan to woo Kalonzo’s Ukambani turf ahead of 2027 polls.

Among the promises he made in his speech, he noted that the deadly Enziu bridge will be completed as of February 2026.

“Pale Enziu bridge iyo daraja imekua daraja ya maafa, mimi nataka niwaeleze sasa nimempatia waziri Chirchir maagizo kabla ya Februari mvua iaanze mwaka ujao iyo daraja iwe imekamilika,” Ruto said.

The construction of the killer bridge began in December 2021, soon after it claimed at least 32 lives, but it stalled.

He further stated that at least 50 megadams will be constructed over the next decade to supply enough water for the farms.

He stressed that the move is aimed at addressing growing food insecurity by shifting away from rain-dependent farming which he described as unsustainable for the population.