Cheruiyot Blasts Opposition as Farouk Kibet Rallies Busia Behind Development
Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot accused a 'Linda Uhuru Kenyatta', now known as Linda Mwananchi group, of taking money from the ex-president to undermine Ruto’s agenda, urging Busia to back the broad-based government for more projects.
Politics took centre stage in Funyula, Busia County, as Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot accused sections of the opposition of working to derail President William Ruto's development agenda.
Speaking during a women empowerment fundraiser attended by thousands of residents, Cheruiyot alleged that some opposition leaders were being influenced by former President Uhuru Kenyatta to oppose projects being implemented by the Kenya Kwanza administration. He argued that political rivalry should not stand in the way of development, urging leaders to put the interests of wananchi first.
The senator appealed to the people of Busia to continue supporting the broad-based government, saying doing so would increase the county's chances of benefiting from more national government projects. According to Cheruiyot, the focus should shift from endless political battles to issues that directly affect ordinary Kenyans, including job creation, better infrastructure, and economic empowerment.
"There is a group that calls itself 'Linda Uhuru Kenyatta.' Their job is to receive money from Uhuru Kenyatta and go around holding rallies aimed at opposing the government. It is important that we tell each other the truth.I would like to tell the people of Busia that this broad-based journey we have embarked on will bring immense development to this county, including here in Funyula. Many projects will be implemented, and the government of President William Ruto is committed to improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans, let none deceive you." ~ Aaron Cheruyoit
The fundraising event, organised to support women's groups in Funyula, also attracted senior leaders allied to President Ruto's administration, among them Presidential aide Farouk Kibet, Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka, Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma and Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo. Beyond politics, the leaders used the occasion to champion the economic empowerment of women, describing them as the backbone of many families and local businesses.
Farouk Kibet said empowering women translates into stronger households and more resilient communities. He noted that many women continue to shoulder the responsibility of providing for their families despite limited access to financial opportunities and called for sustained support to help them expand their businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Busia Governor Dr Paul Otuoma echoed the call for unity and development, urging residents to embrace programmes aimed at improving their welfare. He said leaders have a responsibility to rise above political divisions and work together in addressing the everyday struggles faced by citizens.
The leaders also turned their attention to the plight of women of Ugandan descent living in Busia County who have encountered difficulties while seeking Kenyan national identity cards. Farouk Kibet and Governor Otuoma urged chiefs and local administrators to avoid placing unnecessary obstacles before those eligible for the documents.
They argued that without identity cards, many women are locked out of essential services and economic opportunities, making it difficult for them to participate fully in the country's social and economic life. The leaders maintained that every eligible Kenyan deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity during the registration process.
"The process of obtaining identification documents should be free and accessible to all Kenyans. The people of Busia have faced discrimination and unnecessary hardships for far too long. They should be issued with national identity cards without undue delays. Authorities should stop asking excessive questions when people apply for identification documents.When a woman marries into Kenya from neighbouring Uganda, she should be facilitated to obtain an identity card if she qualifies so that the people living here can continue to benefit from government programmes and development projects"~ Farouk Kibet
As the fundraiser came to a close, the message from the leaders was clear: development, empowerment, and unity should take precedence over political differences. For the women of Funyula who received support, the event was not just another political gathering but a renewed promise of hope and economic opportunity.
