Ruto Says Opposition Criticism Is Giving His Government ‘Free Publicity’

President William Ruto has dismissed criticism of his development record, saying opposition claims about projects in his political strongholds are instead giving his government “free publicity”.

Speaking in Wundanyi, Taita-Taveta, on Saturday, Ruto rejected claims that road construction and other infrastructure projects were being directed towards areas that support him. He said his administration would continue building roads across the country.

“Opposition is saying ‘Ruto is being used to build roads to my area’. That is true, I will build all roads and God is helping me,” he said.

Ruto made the remarks at the start of a tour of the Coast region, where his administration is focusing on land ownership, education and infrastructure.

During his visit to Wundanyi, the President inspected a local road and expressed concern about its condition. He pledged to intervene, saying the road required urgent attention.

Land ownership was also a major focus of the visit, particularly in Taita-Taveta, where many families have lived as squatters on ancestral land. Ruto said 20,000 title deeds would be issued in the county in the following week, as part of a wider programme targeting nearly 200,000 titles across six coastal counties.

In Taita-Taveta, 31,318 title deeds have been earmarked for distribution in Mwatate and Voi constituencies. The wider regional programme is expected to deliver 500,000 title deeds.

Ruto also laid the foundation stone for a Sh145 million hostel at Wumingu Technical and Vocational College. The facility, which is being developed under the Affordable Housing Programme, will accommodate 340 students.

He said the government was investing Sh2 billion in hostels across Taita-Taveta, with capacity for 5,000 students in universities, technical colleges and medical training institutions. The President also pledged to have the road linking Wundanyi town to Wumingu TVC tarmacked and promised improvements to water and electricity supply in the area.

On teachers’ welfare, Ruto acknowledged calls for hardship allowances because of the county’s difficult terrain. He said he had seen the challenges faced by residents and teachers in the area and would follow up on the matter.

The Coast tour will take Ruto to Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River and Lamu. It comes as political parties prepare their messaging ahead of the 2027 General Election, with development projects increasingly featuring in political campaigns.

Ruto has used infrastructure, land reform and investment in education to present his administration’s development record.