Cleophas Malala urges President Ruto to honor campaign promises

By Robert Mutasi

The former UDA Secretary General, now wants President William Ruto to focus on delivering his campaign promises, saying there must be an implementation of political promises. 

During a meeting attended by hundreds in Funyula Constituency in Busia County, Malala insisted that it was time the head of state faced Kenyans who are still struggling with abject poverty and other social ills.

He said the pledge by the president to the country must be translated into tangible programs and projects that address lingering concerns like the cost of living, job opportunities, and essential services.

Malala also told the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang'ula and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi that they should raise their voice in regard to fair development, especially about the Western Region. 

He wants these leaders to ensure the region receives a share of national projects proportionate to the size and population.

"Development in the Western Region should also receive equal treatment, and leaders have to fight for that share," Malala urged concerted efforts by regional leaders to represent the interests of the people at the national level.

The utterances by the former Secretary General reflect the expectations of many Kenyans who have been waiting for tangible governance from promises given during campaigns by President Ruto and his government.

Malala's speech in Busia shows some of the sustained criticism the Ruto administration has faced from political friends and the public at large.

His call to action is a reminder of the electoral promises through which the current leadership came into power and of the requirement for continued participation in the interests of the people. 

Demands for development in the regions, as well as issues of a national nature, show the balancing act that the government must pursue if it is to achieve the expectations laid before it and work towards equal development across Kenya.