Social media was abuzz as netizens expressed their opinions after former vice president Kalonzo Musyoka revealed that the Emali-Matiliku road site was empty just two days after it was launched with much fanfare by President William Ruto.
In a video posted on Friday November 14, Kalonzo showed the site as it was before the launch, with no excavators or road engineers present, in stark contrast to the scene on Wednesday November 12 when Ruto launched the construction of the road project.
In Kalonzo’s video, only the launch monument was present, with the Wiper party leader expressing his disappointment at the lack of progress in the days following the launch.
“This monument says Ruto launched this project on Wednesday, November 12. During the launch, there were graders and other construction materials. Two days later, there is no evidence of progress, except this monument,” he expressed.
“This is not how to run a country. By now, people expected to see tractors and excavators on the ground, doing the construction work. This is actually shameful,” Kalonzo said.
The 20 km Emali–Matiliku road forms part of the 42 km Emali–Ukia road in Ndundune, Makueni County. According to the monument, the road was expected to be upgraded to bitumen standard.
According to Ruto, the project will cost Ksh1.1 billion and provide access to key markets by connecting the trading centres of Kativani, Manywani, Matiliku, Kalamba, Nziu and Ukia, as well as the town of Wote, and extending to Kajiado, Nairobi and Mombasa.
Ruto also said that the upgrade would reduce transport costs, expand trade in perishable goods and livestock products, and enable farmers to reach markets more quickly, thereby cutting post-harvest losses and increasing their earnings.
Kalonzo’s video quickly went viral, with Kenyans expressing their shock, disappointment and criticism over the launch.
Some referenced the substantial funds potentially spent on the grand launch, contrasting this with the subsequent lack of development. Others speculated that the government prioritised grand launches and photo opportunities over actual progress.
“You raise an important point: flashy launches are easy, but real development requires consistent follow-through. If machinery is gone and work hasn’t started, it begs the question: are these projects meant for the people or just for photo ops?” commented one user.
However, Kalonzo was criticised by some, who noted that during his long time as an MP, he did little to bring development to Ukambani, a region where he is seen as the kingpin.
“Kalonzo was an MP for 28 years, VP for 5 years, and minister for more than 10 years, but did not tarmack a single road, not even that one leading to his village in Tseikuru, but suddenly he's questioning why the road Ruto launched two days ago isn't complete,” noted one user.
Ruto had been on a four-day development tour in Ukambani, where he launched several infrastructural projects and engaged with leaders of the region.
