Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has defended President William Ruto’s decision to open State House to ordinary Kenyans, saying the engagements have created an important platform for direct dialogue between the Head of State and citizens on the country’s development agenda.
Speaking while representing President Ruto at a fundraising drive for the purchase of a school bus for Lukonyi Boys School in Busia County, Lusaka dismissed criticism from opposition leaders over the President’s decision to host different groups at State House, including private security officers, village elders, Christian leaders, Muslim faithful and other stakeholders.
The governor argued that every Kenyan deserves equal respect and recognition regardless of their occupation, maintaining that State House should remain accessible to all citizens.
“The President should continue opening State House to ordinary Kenyans. These engagements allow him to hear directly from citizens, receive candid feedback on government programmes and better understand the impact of development initiatives on the lives of ordinary Kenyans,” Lusaka said.
Is it okay for Ruto to host Kenyans at State House?
He termed the opposition’s criticism as misplaced, noting that political leaders also routinely host wananchi and interest groups in their homes and offices.
“Those criticising the President should remember that they also engage members of the public in their own residences. The President is simply creating an opportunity for Kenyans from all walks of life to interact with him and contribute to the country’s development agenda. Every Kenyan deserves equal dignity and respect,” he added.
Lusaka further praised the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development record, saying President Ruto had ensured equitable distribution of development projects across the country compared to previous administrations.
He cited the revival of the sugar sector, improved infrastructure and other ongoing national projects as evidence that the government’s policies were delivering tangible benefits, particularly to farmers in Western Kenya.
“The revival of the sugar industry has restored hope to thousands of farmers across Western Kenya. We are witnessing balanced development across the country, and the President deserves another term to complete these transformative programmes,” Lusaka said.
Is Western Kenya supporting Ruto’s re-election?
The governor also urged supporters of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga in Western Kenya to remain within the Broad-Based Government and support President Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
“Busia County and the larger Western region strongly supported Raila Odinga. Today, his supporters are part of the Broad-Based Government, and they should remain in government by supporting President Ruto’s re-election for continued development,” he stated.
Lusaka said governors and leaders from across the Mulembe Nation were united behind President Ruto’s development agenda and were working together to consolidate support for his 2027 re-election.
The fundraising event brought together Busia Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma, Members of Parliament, Members of County Assembly and other leaders from the Western region, who rallied residents to register as voters and collect their national identity cards ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The leaders maintained that increased voter registration and participation would be key to securing President Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 General Election while sustaining the region’s development momentum.
