TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Uriri lawmaker Mark Nyamita has urged President William Ruto to allocate the KSh 10 billion allegedly demanded by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua towards the development of Migori County.

While addressing residents of Central Kawere Rateng’ and Nyaobe in his Uriri constituency, Nyamita expressed concern over the underdeveloped state of the area, calling on the president to ensure such funds are put to good developmental use.

He noted that locals were disheartened to hear claims that Gachagua wanted the money for personal gain instead of national development.

"If you give us KSh 10 billion here in Migori, especially in Uriri, we will transform this place into a city like London," Nyamita declared.

He further emphasised that the funds could be used to build schools, improve road infrastructure, expand electricity coverage, and support widows struggling to make ends meet.

The legislator also recalled a past visit by Ruto to the region, during which the president launched several projects.

He alleged that Gachagua was displeased with the initiative, accusing the ousted deputy president of being furious about development efforts in Nyanza.

"We later met Gachagua in Kisumu, and he was visibly angry. He was not happy that the president brought development to this region," Nyamita claimed.

Commenting on the reported resistance to Ruto’s ongoing tour of the vote rich Mount Kenya region, the MP advised the president to focus on other parts of the country where his presence would be more appreciated.

"Do not trouble yourself, Mr. President. Kenya is vast, and if they are unwilling to welcome you, you can bring the development here instead," he added.

Gachagua fiercely responded to Ruto following the accusations of demanding KSh 10 billion in exchange for securing Mt Kenya’s political support, and allegedly threatening to ensure Ruto served only one term if the demands were not met.

Reacting to these claims, Gachagua took to X to launch a scathing attack on Ruto, accusing him of spreading falsehoods to tarnish his reputation. He dismissed the allegations as outright lies and questioned the president’s mental stability, claiming that dishonesty had become a defining trait of his leadership.

The former DP further lamented what he termed as a lack of coherence within the president’s team, stating that their failure to align their narratives exposed deeper divisions within the administration.

Source: TUKO.co.ke