Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County| In a powerful convergence of national and regional leaders, Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan, popularly known as Guyo, and President William Ruto’s long-serving aide Farouk Kibet led a spirited call for national unity and accelerated development in rural and marginalized regions of Kenya.
The leaders made their remarks during a landmark women empowerment event held in Kapsaos Ward, Uasin Gishu County.
Hosted by Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, the event saw 65 women-led groups benefit from the County Enterprise Development Fund — a policy innovation originally pioneered in Isiolo County under Governor Guyo’s leadership.
The fund, which has catalyzed grassroots economic transformation, has since been adopted by several counties including Uasin Gishu, where it has grown to exceed Ksh. 700 million in allocation.
Speaking to a charged crowd in Eldoret City, Governor Guyo delivered an impassioned defense of President William Ruto’s development agenda, with particular emphasis on the administration’s focus on the historically neglected Northern Kenya region.
He praised the president’s commitment to infrastructure development, notably citing the long-awaited Isiolo-Modogashe-Mandera road project, a project he claimed had been nothing more than a political promise under previous administrations since independence.
“For over 61 years — from Jomo Kenyatta to Moi, Kibaki, and even President Uhuru — we were only told that the road would be built. But it is only President William Ruto who has turned these words into action.” Guyo explained.
He went further to add: “We, the people of the Northern Frontier, are finally seeing tarmac where there was once only dust,” stated Governor Guyo, drawing sustained applause from the crowd.
In a pointed appeal against ethnic divisiveness, Governor Guyo also warned against tribal politics, arguing that such ideologies were outdated and counterproductive.
He lauded counties like Uasin Gishu, Isiolo, and Nakuru for their cosmopolitan harmony, citing the example of Bula Pesa Ward in Isiolo where a Kikuyu, Mr. Waithaka, was elected as MCA in a predominantly non-Kikuyu constituency.
“This is the Kenya we want — a Kenya where one’s tribe does not define their opportunities,” he said. “Isiolo is a living testament that unity in diversity is not just possible, but powerful.”
Backing Governor Guyo’s sentiments, Farouk Kibet — a central figure in President Ruto’s inner circle — issued a scathing rebuke of leaders he accused of fanning ethnic divisions for political gain.
Though he did not mention names, his remarks were widely interpreted as a veiled reference to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached last year on grounds including alleged tribal bias and divisive politics.
“Every day, some people wake up just to rant on television, spewing tribalism and undermining the government’s effort to bring development to mashinani,” Farouk declared.
“When you see such characters on your screen, do your country a favor — switch off your TV.” The crowd erupted in laughter and applause as Farouk Kibet reinforced the government’s commitment to unity and equitable development.
He praised Governor Guyo as a dependable ally in advancing the president’s rural development vision and lauded the collaboration between counties in sharing progressive policies.
Governor Jonathan Bii, in his address, emphasized the critical role of women in community development, stating, “When you empower a woman, you ignite the strength of an entire community.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to women’s empowerment through continued investment in the County Enterprise Development Fund.
Other dignitaries at the event included Laikipia MP Mwangi Kiunjuri, National Assembly Majority Whip Peter Osoro, several MPs, MCAs, and governors from various counties, signaling strong multi-county solidarity behind President Ruto’s development-first agenda.
As tribal politics threaten to polarize sections of the country, the Eldoret event served as a resounding call to unity, inclusivity, and a shared vision for a prosperous Kenya — with Governor Guyo and Farouk Kibet emerging as key voices in that mission.
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