You can’t reject Ruto and still demand development, Osoro tells off Kisii residents
MP dismissed claims by rival politicians that the region belongs to a particular political camp, insisting that no part of the country is a “stronghold”.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro has issued a warning to Kisii residents, asking them to support President William Ruto’s administration or risk being left behind in the government’s development agenda.
The remarks highlight the deepening political fractures within the region.
Speaking on Monday during the President’s tour of Kisii county, Osoro dismissed claims by rival politicians that the region belongs to a particular political camp, insisting that no part of the country is a “stronghold”.
“There are people who came here telling us Kisii is their stronghold. But you are the President of the Republic of Kenya, and there is no one’s stronghold here,” he said.
The MP urged residents to make what he described as a clear and deliberate choice between politics and development, framing support for the national government as key to accessing infrastructure and services.
“You must decide—do you want development or politics? If you are told to stop following President Ruto, then also stop asking for roads. You cannot have both,” Osoro told the crowd.
His remarks came shortly after the President laid the foundation stone for the Kegogi Modern Market in Kitutu Chache South constituency.
The project is expected to accommodate more than 300 traders and is part of ongoing efforts to improve market infrastructure and support small-scale businesses.
The President is on a multi-day development tour of the Gusii region, covering Kisii and Nyamira counties, where he is launching and inspecting projects in sectors such as trade, health and transport, while also engaging local leaders and residents.
Osoro’s comments reflect heightened political activity in the region in recent weeks, with opposition leaders also holding rallies and seeking to consolidate support ahead of the 2027 general election.
During those engagements, some opposition figures described Kisii as a key political base, urging residents to remain aligned to their camp, setting the stage for a contest over influence in the vote-rich region.
In response, leaders allied to the government have intensified their messaging, linking development projects to national leadership and cautioning against what they term divisive politics.
“You cannot reject leadership and at the same time expect development from the same government. Choose one path,” Osoro said.
The MP further urged residents to focus on tangible benefits, saying infrastructure projects such as markets and roads are meant to improve livelihoods and should guide political decisions.
The exchanges highlight the shifting political dynamics in the Gusii region, which has increasingly become a battleground as government and opposition leaders seek to strengthen their footing ahead of the next election cycle.
Even as the political messaging sharpens, the President’s tour continues to focus on development projects, with more launches and inspections expected across the region in the coming days.
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