Suba North parliamentary aspirant Silas Jakakimba has defended President William Ruto’s development record, arguing that ongoing road projects in Homa Bay County are evidence of efforts to address decades of marginalisation in the region.
Jakakimba made the remarks on Monday, August 17, 2026, amid renewed debate over the poor state of roads in parts of Homa Bay following the Linda Mwananchi rallies, where residents raised concerns about infrastructure and public services.
In his statement, Jakakimba acknowledged that images from remote parts of Suba had highlighted the challenges facing communities that have historically struggled with inadequate infrastructure.
“Even though we all know that at least six roads are under active construction in the Lowlands, including Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori, yesterday’s images from a remote corner of Subaland are a reminder that the reality of marginalisation is still not fully appreciated across Kenya,” he said.
He argued that fishing centres such as Nyandiwa, Sindo and Mbita Point have the potential to become thriving economic hubs if supported by reliable roads, electricity, clean water and other public amenities.
According to Jakakimba, the challenges facing the region are the result of years of neglect, but he maintained that the situation is changing under the Ruto administration.
“Many have endured decades of systemic neglect and decay—a normalcy that is now being disrupted by President Ruto’s deliberate posture on grounding equitable development across all regions of the country,” he stated.
Jakakimba cited several ongoing and completed road projects in Suba North and Homa Bay County as evidence of the government’s investment in the region.
He noted that the Rusinga Island Ring Road had been upgraded to bitumen standards, with Ruto commissioning the project in 2024 and later returning to witness its completion. He also pointed to the ongoing upgrade of the Mfangano Island Ring Road, which he said commenced about a month ago.
The aspirant further highlighted the Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Sori road among projects under construction in the Lowlands.
Jakakimba said Kenya must pursue development that reaches communities across the country, particularly regions that have experienced prolonged infrastructure deficits.
“Kenya is being leveled up under President Ruto, and the goal must be to ensure that this transformation reaches every corner of the country,” he said.