Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has issued a firm warning to politicians accused of disrupting government development projects by shielding underperforming contractors and negotiating on their behalf.
Speaking on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, in Migori County during an inspection of ongoing government projects, Owalo said political interference has become a major cause of delays.
He noted that some contractors are failing to meet timelines while leaders attempt to influence the implementation processes of government projects.
“Politicians must keep out of the implementation of government projects, don't meddle in the implementation of these projects”, Owalo said.
“We are witnessing situations where contractors are behind schedule, and the politicians think they can interfere to negotiate implementation timelines for them,” Owalo said
He stressed that all government projects must be completed on time and to the required standards, warning that the state will not tolerate attempts to protect fake or incompetent contractors.
“All government projects must be completed within the stipulated timeline, irrespective of who the contractor is”, he stated
Owalo added that public projects are funded by taxpayers and cannot be turned into political bargaining tools.
He urged all government implementing agencies not to act at the whims of politicians, insisting that projects must be completed within the stipulated timelines, regardless of who the contractor is.
He directed contractors in Migori to adhere strictly to set timelines and quality expectations, cautioning that further delays would attract consequences.
The Deputy Chief of Staff reiterated the government's committed to fast-tracking development projects across the country.
This comes months after Owalo revealed that President William Ruto had launched a crackdown targeting officials who were unlawfully running government projects through their private companies.
Speaking during an interview on September 11, Owalo confirmed that the president had affirmed that if a government official was found to be doing this, he would dismiss them, and legal action will be taken against them.
Owalo had added that collusion between government officials and contractors after projects are awarded was a major factor behind the delays and stalling of government projects.
