Lands, Housing and Urban Planning Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has called on leaders and residents of the Mt Kenya region to shift their focus from political debates and instead support ongoing development initiatives. Speaking during the launch of a new market in Oljabet town, Laikipia West, Wahome urged the public to concentrate on service delivery and leave politics for the 2027 election period.
Wahome emphasized that President William Ruto’s administration remains steadfast in its affordable housing agenda, which has created over 200,000 jobs across the country. “The President constantly talks about housing and markets. Through the affordable housing program, our ministry is receiving full support from the government,” she stated.
The CS announced that the newly launched market will cost Ksh 56.3 million and is designed to accommodate 500 traders upon completion in nine months. She pledged transparency in stall allocation and directed the area MCA and local chiefs to ensure the contractor employs local youth. Workers involved in manual labor will earn Ksh 600 daily, while artisans will receive Ksh 1,200.
Wahome also defended the inclusion of opposition politicians in government projects, saying that once a President is elected, he is required to serve all Kenyans irrespective of political affiliation.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, who accompanied Wahome, praised the positive collaboration between the national and county governments, which he said has unlocked development worth millions. He revealed that Laikipia West alone had received over Ksh 120 million for electricity connectivity.
However, Kiunjuri cautioned residents against blindly supporting emerging political movements, particularly those rallying under new party banners like “Itungati.”
“Stop following politicians blindly just because they’ve launched parties. Evaluate leaders based on what they’ve done,” he said, warning of the consequences of poor political choices.
Using metaphors, Kiunjuri added, “Do not elect an owl thinking it is a peaceful bird just because it cries loudly. When the time comes, I will only campaign for two people – myself and President William Ruto.”
He concluded with a cautionary note: “If you gamble with politics in 2027, you’ll find yourself gnashing your teeth after dancing to tunes led by formless, visionless individuals.”
