Ruto grand visit to NE: A photo op or a ticking time me bomb?

In a spectacle that some would describe as a “well-rehearsed political performance,” President William Ruto’s visit to the North Eastern region of Kenya was marked by a rather telling moment.
When his personal assistant snatched the microphone from the hands of the Governor of Mandera. It was as though the Governor had overstayed his welcome in his own county, caught in the crossfire of what appeared to be a moment of political superiority.
As the local dignitaries spoke, the PA smoothly took the mic, probably to “restore order,” but it wasn’t hard to see that the gesture sent an unmistakable message: the region is being treated more as a backdrop for the government’s narrative rather than a community in urgent need of solutions.
The mic moment was a perfect metaphor for the President’s visit—ceremonial, grand in optics, but with a few lingering questions of whether real, actionable progress would follow.
As the Head of State touched down in the region, the ceremonial nature of his visit couldn’t hide the harsh realities that have continued to plague this neglected part of the country.
Amid rising insecurity, worsening poverty, the devastating impacts of climate change, and unfulfilled development projects, Ruto’s arrival was met not only with polite applause but also with growing frustration from locals and critics who see his promises as little more than political theatre.
“Another visit, another set of empty promises,” said one irate local leader, shaking his head as the President’s convoy rolled into Mandera.
“This is the fifth time a sitting president has promised us roads, schools, and better healthcare, yet we continue to watch our children walk for miles to get to a classroom. They come, take pictures, and leave us with nothing.”
While the Ruto attempted to portray himself as a champion of change for the region, his critics were quick to point out that his presence felt more like a public relations stunt than an actual commitment to addressing the region’s numerous challenges.
Insecurity menace.
One of the most urgent concerns that North Eastern Kenya faces is the issue of insecurity. The region, with its vast borders that stretch to Somalia, has long been a hotspot for terrorist activities, banditry, and clan violence. The President’s visit came at a time when Mandera, Garissa, and Wajir counties were reeling from several high-profile attacks in recent months, with armed militants, bandits, and ethnic tensions putting thousands of lives at risk.
“The President keeps coming, giving us speeches about security, but we still see the same violence every single day,” said Mohamed Ali, a resident of Mandera, after Ruto’s speech.
“Where are the promises of better security for our people? Where are the roads and communication systems that would make it easier to mobilize security forces when we are under attack?”
Ruto’s critics, including local opposition leaders, were less diplomatic in their criticism. “His government has failed to protect us,” said Ibrahim Abdi, a prominent local political figure. “This is a government that boasts of being tough on security, but we still have no police stations in some of our most remote areas, and the few that exist are under-resourced and overworked.”
In response to the criticism, Ruto acknowledged the security challenges facing the region, promising additional support for security personnel and pledging to modernize the security infrastructure in the area. However, his promises rang hollow to many who have heard similar rhetoric in the past without seeing tangible results.
 Poverty: The silent crisis.
In the shadow of insecurity lies a deeper, more persistent issue:A region that depends heavily on pastoralism and agriculture, has long been one of the poorest parts of the country. Despite promises from successive governments to address poverty through various economic programs, the region remains mired in economic stagnation.
“It’s not enough to just throw money at the problem,” said Fatuma Mohamed, a community leader from Wajir.
“We need sustainable development, not just handouts. How many times have we heard about new projects that are supposed to create jobs? These promises don’t feed our children, they don’t help our farmers, and they certainly don’t help the youth who are now resorting to crime because there are no jobs.”
Critics of the President’s approach are particularly vocal about the gap between his promises and the reality on the ground. “Ruto is just like his predecessors,” said Osman Dima, an economist from Garissa. “He’s offering us more of the same—a few development programs here and there, but nothing that addresses the root causes of poverty. Without tackling unemployment, improving education, and investing in long-term infrastructure, all these promises will only serve as distractions from the real issues we face.”
Local residents expressed similar sentiments. “I’ve been living in this county my entire life, and all I’ve seen are temporary projects that never really help anyone,” said Abdi Omar, a farmer from Mandera. “What good is a well when the land is too dry to farm, and what good is a school if the children have no way to get to it? These are not solutions.”
Ruto promised to initiate several programs aimed at tackling poverty, including grants for small businesses and agricultural initiatives. However, few were convinced. “He says there’s going to be money for businesses, but where will that money come from? And how will it get to the people who need it?” asked Mohamed Ali, a local small business owner. “We’ve heard the same promises before, and it’s always the same story—money for a few, nothing for the many.”
The unseen enemy
Perhaps the most insidious threat facing North Eastern Kenya is the growing impact of climate change. Droughts have become more frequent and severe, and rainfall patterns are increasingly unpredictable, devastating the region’s agricultural and pastoral industries. Livestock, the backbone of the local economy, is dying at unprecedented rates due to lack of water and food.
“Climate change is real, and it’s killing us,” said Fatuma Mohamed, who has seen her cattle, which once thrived in the region’s lush pastures, perish due to prolonged droughts. “We used to rely on the land to feed our families, but now the land is turning against us. This region is dying, and we need a government that understands the scale of the crisis.”
Ruto, acknowledging the threat of climate change, proposed a series of initiatives aimed at mitigating its impact, including irrigation schemes and water catchment projects. “We will ensure that the communities in this region are prepared for climate change,” he promised. “The government will invest in technologies that help farmers adapt and thrive, despite the challenges.”
But skeptics remain unconvinced. “How many times have they told us about irrigation schemes?” asked Ibrahim Abdi. “These projects are always promised but never delivered. It’s time to stop talking and start acting.”
A record of failure
For years, North Eastern Kenya has been promised the world in terms of development. Roads, hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure projects have been announced in grand speeches but never materialized. The region’s residents, tired of hearing the same rhetoric, are now deeply cynical about the government’s commitment to their future.
“I’ve seen this before,” said Abdi Omar, a resident of Mandera. “They come here, make speeches, and then leave. There are no real results. The roads remain in disrepair, the schools are still overcrowded, and the hospitals still don’t have enough medicine. What’s the point of these visits if they don’t lead to anything?”
Ruto’s promises to fast-track stalled projects and initiate new ones were met with skepticism. “We’ve heard these empty promises from every president before him,” said Osman Dima. “Ruto is no different. He talks a good game, but when it comes to delivering, we are left waiting, year after year.”
 A futile visit or a turning point?
As Ruto continues with his 4 days tour departed , the region’s residents are left with more questions than answers. His visit, filled with well-meaning speeches and promises of action, did little to address the deep-rooted issues plaguing the region. For many, it was just another political spectacle, a brief moment of attention before the spotlight shifted elsewhere.
“It’s the same story,” said Mohamed Ali, the small business owner. “They come, talk about the problems, and then leave. We need solutions, not just speeches.”