Residents of northern Kenya will not automatically support President William Ruto for re-election unless his administration fulfills its development promises, Fafi MP Salah Farah has said.
The UDA MP emphasized that locals will evaluate the government based on tangible achievements rather than political rhetoric.
According to him, the region must “weigh on a scale” what has been delivered in terms of development instead of relying on empty promises.
He noted that if the president is serious about securing a second term, he must return to the people with a renewed commitment and concrete results.
He spoke at a wedding in Mandera over the weekend.
Among the key concerns raised were unfulfilled pledges related to infrastructure and basic services, including roads, water supply, and electricity—issues that the government had earlier promised to address.
Following Ruto’s recent statement that his leadership will be judged based on development records, the MP said residents are now ready to hold him accountable.
“Records will speak for themselves. We will come to the table and tell the president nothing but the truth. It will not be business as usual,” the MP stated.
The legislator, who had previously supported extending presidential term limits in favor of Ruto’s leadership, now insists that performance will determine future political support.
At the same time, the MP dismissed any possibility of backing former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, citing what he described as a poor track record with Kenyan Somalis.
On issuance of IDs, Fafi MP stated that the widely discussed plan to issue identification documents to local residents could, in future, become a political disadvantage for indigenous communities.
He argued that the removal of the vetting committee would complicate the situation.
According to him, individuals from across the border—particularly Somalis—might take advantage of the relaxed process to acquire IDs in large numbers as a temporary measure.
However, in the long run, this could allow them to influence local politics and even contest clan-based political seats, ultimately disadvantaging the original local population.
He said that the Fafi constituency, which hosts one of the largest refugee camps with a population of at least 300,000 migrants, could be vulnerable to illegal activities, including attempts to improperly acquire voter cards for political purposes.
He also noted that refugees are spread across nearly every county, including Nairobi, and warned that if the situation is not properly managed, it could create complications for ordinary Kenyans.
There is an ongoing campaign for Ruto reelection ahead of the 2027 polls.
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