Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has challenged United Opposition leaders to stop politicising the proposed Lamu Refinery Development Project, describing it as a transformative investment with the potential to create massive employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Lusaka urged political leaders to put national interests above partisan politics, arguing that strategic investments should be embraced as catalysts for economic transformation rather than turned into political battlegrounds.
“For Kenya to grow, we must welcome transformative investments that create jobs, stimulate economic activity and improve the livelihoods of our people, irrespective of our political affiliations,” Lusaka said.
The governor, who is also President William Ruto’s Western Kenya Presidential Re-election Coordinator, used the Sunday service at Mungore ACK Church in Bumula to intensify his grassroots mobilisation campaign for the President’s re-election in 2027.
He defended Ruto’s development record, citing ongoing and planned infrastructure investments in Bungoma and the wider Western region as evidence of the administration’s commitment to accelerating economic growth and improving public infrastructure.
Among the projects he highlighted were the Standard Gauge Railway extension through Myanga in Bumula, the Lunakwe Energy Centre, the Rironi–Mau Summit–Malaba dual carriageway and the Malakisi Bridge, which he said would strengthen connectivity, unlock economic opportunities and improve the region’s development prospects.
Lusaka maintained that the President’s development agenda offered a compelling basis for his re-election, challenging the opposition to present a credible alternative anchored in tangible development programmes rather than political rhetoric.
He urged Western Kenya residents to rally behind Ruto in the 2027 General Election, arguing that continuity in leadership would help sustain ongoing development projects and accelerate the country’s economic transformation.
The service brought together National Assembly Speaker Dr Moses Wetang’ula, President’s aide Farouk Kibet, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli and other leaders, who joined the congregation in supporting the development of infrastructure at Mungore ACK Church through financial contributions.
The leaders underscored the importance of supporting community institutions, with the church service also providing a platform for political engagement and renewed calls for development-driven leadership.
