Ukambani leaders on Sunday, April 13, 2025, challenged President William Ruto to hasten the completion of the Kibwezi-Kitui-Kabati-Migwani Mbondoni road ahead of his visit to the region in October.

Led by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, the leaders said they were aware the president is to visit Kitui County during Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Show Grounds and he should thus prioritise the completion of tarmacking of the crucial road that was abandoned midway in 2020 at Kwasiku in Mwingi West, some 25 kilometres to Mbondoni.

Kitui Senator and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Enock Wambua, who ignited the debate, said local leaders and the public did not want any more promises from Ruto on the neglected infrastructure.

The road is part of an international highway that holds the key to unlocking the economic potential for the three Ukambani counties.

Speaking at the Good Shepherd Mwingi Catholic Church in Kitui during Palm Sunday, Wambua said it was unacceptable that the Sh18.5 billion road that was meant to connect the Port of Mombasa with eastern and northern counties had failed to achieve its purpose of decongesting Nairobi-Mombasa highway.

“I am told the president is planning to visit our county. Before he comes, the contractor must return on site and begin works on the road.”

When completed, the road is also expected to provide an easy link to Tana River, and boost tourism, mineral exploitation and transportation of agricultural produce. Kalonzo said it was the people’s right to demand equitable distribution of national resources.

The former Vice President said the project launched by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 has left the untarmacked portion deplorable.

“People in Kitui and Ukambani at large are also taxpayers and deserve services without undue lobbying.”