Speaking amid renewed political exchanges with President William Ruto, Kalonzo dismissed claims that his long career in government yielded little development, particularly in his home area of Tseikuru, Mwingi North.
According to reports highlighted by Taifa Leo, Kalonzo argued that true leadership demands restraint, not self-reward.
He revealed that during his time as vice president, he resisted pressure to have a tarmac road built directly to his rural home, despite the opportunity being readily available.
Instead, he pushed for broader infrastructure plans that would benefit more communities across Kitui County and beyond.
Kalonzo cited a proposed 21-kilometre stretch of the Tseikuru–Kyuso road that he declined, insisting the project should begin from Mwingi and extend towards Kamuongo and Garissa.
In his view, prioritising a personal route would have sent the wrong message about public service. “Leadership is about justice, not convenience,” he noted, adding that development should follow need, not political privilege.
The remarks come after President Ruto questioned Kalonzo’s development record, suggesting that a leader who failed to transform his backyard could hardly deliver national progress.
Kalonzo responded by pointing to long-term projects such as the Kiambere–Mwingi water supply, which continues to support thousands of residents.
Positioning himself ahead of the 2027 general election, Kalonzo claimed the renewed scrutiny signals his growing influence within the opposition.
He accused the president of concentrating projects around his own home region while using development as a political weapon.
As the political temperature rises, Kalonzo’s stance seeks to frame him as a leader guided by principle rather than entitlement—an argument likely to shape the national conversation as Kenyans look toward the next election cycle.
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