Our Support for President Ruto’s Re-election Is Not Automatic, Says Fafi MP

By Abdimalik Hajir - Reporter

6 April 2026 - Residents of North Eastern 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 emphasised 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 renewed commitment and concrete results.

Among the key concerns raised were unfulfilled pledges related to infrastructure and basic services, including roads, water supply, and electricity—issues the government had earlier promised to address.

Following President 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.

The lawmaker had earlier caused controversy after stating that President Ruto’s term should be extended.

South West State Inaugurates EU-Funded Sports Ground.

Stoppage-Time McBurnie Strike Sends Hull City Back to the Premier League

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 the issuance of IDs, the 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.