Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has urged former President Uhuru Kenyatta to rise above partisan politics and uphold the dignity of the presidency by acting as a unifying statesman.

Speaking during the Kimilili Women and Youth Economic Empowerment Forum held at St. John’s Miruri Primary School grounds, Lusaka said Uhuru, as the country’s only living former Head of State, has a responsibility to offer guidance and promote national unity rather than support political efforts aimed at weakening President William Ruto’s administration.

Lusaka said the former president should respect the office he once held and use his influence to bring Kenyans together.

“As a former President, Uhuru Kenyatta should respect the office he once occupied by being a statesman and a unifying force for the country,” Lusaka said.

The Bungoma governor, who also serves as President Ruto’s Western Kenya coordinator for the 2027 re-election campaign, accused sections of the opposition of plotting to reverse key government programmes if they take power.

He particularly criticised threats by opposition leaders to demolish Affordable Housing Programme projects and dismantle other completed government initiatives, saying development projects belong to Kenyans and should not be treated as political property.

“Threatening to demolish affordable housing and other completed projects is retrogressive. Development belongs to Kenyans, not to any individual or political party,” he said.

Lusaka further challenged the opposition coalition to unveil its preferred presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election, expressing confidence that President Ruto’s development record would secure him another term in office.

“Let them unveil their candidate whenever they are ready. President Ruto’s track record in transforming the country will speak for itself and guarantee him a resounding victory in 2027,” Lusaka said.

The governor urged residents of Western Kenya to remain firmly behind President Ruto, arguing that the region is set to benefit from several major infrastructure and development projects.

Among the projects he highlighted were the planned Standard Gauge Railway extension, which is expected to include a station at Myanga in Bumula, the Rironi–Mau Summit–Malaba dual carriageway, and other strategic investments aimed at improving transport, trade and economic growth in the region.

“Western Kenya stands to benefit immensely from these transformative projects. We must support President Ruto’s re-election to ensure these programmes are completed and that more development reaches our people,” Lusaka said.

The empowerment forum was hosted by Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and attracted thousands of residents. It brought together several political leaders, including President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, Tongaren MP John Chikati, Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi, Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, Taveta MP John Bwire, Nambale MP Geoffrey Mulanya, Senator Consolata Wakwabubi, Members of the County Assembly and other leaders.

The leaders contributed towards women and youth economic empowerment initiatives in Kimilili, with speakers calling for continued support for programmes aimed at improving livelihoods, expanding business opportunities and strengthening grassroots development.