Kathiani MP Robert Mbui has raised concerns over President William Ruto’s recent tour of the Ukambani region, claiming that the head of state used the visit to criticize local leaders instead of focusing on development issues.
The legislator made the remarks during an interview on Citizen TV on Tuesday, November 18, where he said the tone of the tour had left leaders and residents dissatisfied.
According to Mbui, the visit, which included the commissioning of various infrastructure projects, took on a political edge that overshadowed its intended purpose.
He said the region had anticipated clear development commitments but was instead confronted with remarks that felt confrontational to those representing Ukambani.
Mbui remarked that President Ruto appeared to approach the tour in the same manner as a campaign trail, arguing that the president “has been in campaign mode for years.”
He stated that residents expected the visit to provide clarity on government development plans but were instead disappointed by comments they interpreted as targeting their leaders.
The Ukambani region has long been a strategic area in national politics, often attracting attention from presidential administrations due to its sizeable voting population.
Historically, visits by sitting presidents have focused on rallying regional support while showcasing completed or ongoing state projects.
Mbui’s criticism adds to a recurring debate on whether such visits serve development objectives or political interests.
During the Citizen TV interview, Mbui noted that although the president launched projects such as bridges and transformers, the message delivered during the engagements undermined the positive impact these developments could have had.
He said the remarks left many residents questioning whether the region was being sidelined.
Mbui maintained that the concern was not about the projects unveiled but about the manner in which leaders from the area were addressed.
He added that the community felt their expectations for a constructive dialogue on development had not been met.