Yatta Member of Parliament Hon. Robert Basil has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s approach to national development, accusing the head of state of weaponizing state resources to reward loyalists and punish dissenters.
In a candid media address, Basil decried what he described as an unconstitutional, politically selective pattern in the allocation of development projects, warning that such tactics undermine the spirit of national unity and equity enshrined in the constitution.“Our politics is deeply ethnicized, and this reality shapes the distribution of national resources. There are regions where taxpayers’ money will never truly support development, simply because they are politically sidelined,” Basil charged.
The legislator expressed concern that with less than three years left in President Ruto’s first term, many constituencies—particularly those viewed as opposition strongholds—risk being left behind in terms of infrastructure, public services, and investment.“Consider this: by the end of the president’s first term, he may not have toured all 290 constituencies.
The areas he does not visit will inevitably lag behind, lacking the same level of government attention and investment as those he prioritizes,” Basil noted. “Yet, the people in these neglected regions still pay taxes like everyone else.”Framing his argument as a constitutional and moral issue, Basil emphasized the need for a development agenda rooted in fairness, equity, and the real needs of the people rather than political allegiance.“
This raises fundamental questions about fairness in governance. If every citizen contributes to the national revenue, why should development be selective? Why should access to opportunities be determined by political alignment rather than need?” he posed.
He called on the Kenya Kwanza administration to embrace an inclusive approach to development, cautioning that the continued marginalization of certain areas could deepen national divisions and erode public trust in government institutions.“A just government must ensure that resources are allocated equitably.
No Kenyan should feel like a second-class taxpayer in their own country,” Basil addedThe remarks are likely to stir fresh debate on the politicization of development in Kenya—a longstanding grievance among opposition leaders and marginalized communities.
As the 2027 general election draws closer, pressure is mounting on President Ruto to demonstrate that his administration serves all Kenyans equally, regardless of their political stripes.
