By Wajir Today Reporter
Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki on Saturday visited Wajir County, where he presided over a youth empowerment programme spearheaded by Wajir County Women Representative Fatuma Jehow.
The event, marked by development pledges and political undertones, echoed the “Tutam” (Two Term) campaign slogan championing President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during the event, Prof. Kindiki underscored the government’s commitment to addressing historical injustices in Northern Kenya, particularly the challenges youth faced in acquiring national identification cards.
“You are aware that the youths from Wajir and the North Eastern region used to undergo a long process when applying for ID cards. President Ruto said Kenya is one, and he signed a proclamation to end ID card discrimination. That is why we are saying the President should continue” the Deputy President told a chanting crowd at Orahey grounds.
The Deputy President highlighted ongoing infrastructure and energy projects aimed at transforming the region. He noted that the 750-kilometre Isiolo–Mandera road, the largest road project in Kenya’s history, is already under construction, with seven contractors on site.
He announced that the government will address the perennial electricity crisis in Wajir County where more than KSh3 billion has been invested in the Last Mile Connectivity Programme, targeting over 18,500 households.
He added that currently, Wajir generates 2.5 megawatts of electricity, but the government plans to raise this to 6.5 megawatts through hybrid power projects. The government will also construct eight Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) markets and affordable housing projects.
“The construction of 8 ESP markets is underway in Wajir County. The affordable housing projects that will be implemented side by side with hostels for students in various colleges, polytechnics and institutions of higher learning will afford residents decent and secure dwellings, and enable learners to pursue their education in a conducive environment” said Prof. Kindiki.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah echoed Kindiki’s remarks, stressing that President Ruto’s administration had ended decades of discrimination in ID registration.
“When we say tutam, it is not just a campaign slogan. We say tutam to mean the 750km road will be completed, that Wajir will get electricity like other parts of Kenya, and that development will reach every corner of this region,” Ichung’wah said.
Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, who attended the event, pledged full support for President Ruto’s re-election bid. He urged locals to register as voters, describing President Ruto as a “pastoralist president” who understands the needs of the region.
“As Somalis and pastoralist communities, if you were looking for a pastoralist president, then President Ruto is one. Apply for identity cards, register as voters, and support the President,” he said
Other leaders, including Wajir Senator Abass Sheikh, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim, and Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow, rallied the community to give President Ruto overwhelming support in 2027, with Maalim calling for “100 per cent of votes” from the region.
The event concluded with leaders making financial contributions towards youth empowerment programmes in Wajir. President Ruto donated KSh3 million, Prof. Kindiki KSh1 million, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah KSh500,000, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi KSh500,000, Woman Representative Fatuma Jehow KSh500,000, Senator Abass Sheikh KSh200,000, Eldas MP Adan Keynan KSh200,000, and Dadaab MP Farah Maalim KSh200,000.
