Ruto Calls Off Ukambani Development Tour After Raila Odinga’s Death

When William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya and Commander‑in‑Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces called off his week‑long Ukambani development tour on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, the news rippled through the nation.

The decision came just hours after the sudden death of Raila Amolo Odinga, the National Leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and former Prime Minister (2008‑2013). State House, the presidential office in Nairobi, confirmed the cancellation via a statement to The Star at 17:00 EAT.

Background to the Ukambani Tour

The Ukambani region—comprising Kitui, Makueni and Machakos counties—has long been a focal point for the government’s “Vision 2030” infrastructure push. Roughly 150 km southeast of Nairobi, the area has lagged behind the coastal and central provinces in road quality and affordable housing.

President Ruto’s itinerary, unveiled on 10 October 2025, was intended to showcase tangible progress: dozen‑plus road upgrades, new market facilities, and a series of affordable‑housing units. The tour would have culminated in the national Mashujaa Day celebrations on 20 October 2025 at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County.

Planned Itinerary and Flagship Projects

Here’s a quick snapshot of what the president and his delegation were slated to launch:

• 15 Oct: Kwasiku‑Migwani‑Mbondoni road project in Mwingi West, Kitui.
• 15 Oct: Commissioning of the Zombe‑Mwitika road in Kitui East.
• 15 Oct: Launch of the Kangundo‑Mwala road tarmacking in Kangundo Town, Machakos.
• 17 Oct: Inspection of the Email‑Ukia road in Kibwezi West, Makueni.
• 17 Oct: Visit to the Ikutha‑Mutha road site in Kitui South.
• 17 Oct: Opening of an affordable‑housing complex in Kitui Central.
• 17 Oct: Ribbon‑cutting for Ithookwe Stadium, slated for the Mashujaa Day ceremony.
• 18 Oct: Unveiling of the Wote affordable‑housing programme and the Kivandini‑Miseleni road in Makueni.
• 19 Oct: Launch of the Mwala cluster water project and commissioning of Mutituni Market in Machakos.
• 20 Oct: Final stops – Kandwia‑Kamuwongo road launch in Mwingi North and the Mikuyu bridge commissioning in Kilome.

All together, twelve major infrastructure pieces were on the docket, representing roughly $1.2 billion in projected spending, according to the Ministry of Transport’s 2025 budget brief.

Raila Odinga’s Death and Its Immediate Political Fallout

The country went into mourning when news broke that Raila Odinga, aged 77, had died of a sudden cardiac arrest on 14 October 2025. He had been a towering figure in Kenyan politics for more than four decades, spearheading the 2007‑2008 post‑election crisis negotiations and later co‑founding the 2010 constitutional reforms.

“Kenya has lost a statesman, a father of democracy and a relentless advocate for the under‑privileged,” said a senior ODM spokesperson, who asked to remain unnamed. The opposition’s grief was palpable; rallies were held in Nairobi’s Uhuru Park and in Odinga’s hometown of Kisumu, where thousands chanted his name.

Because Odinga was the leader of the main opposition bloc, his death prompted a national debate about the timing of high‑profile government events. Many argued that proceeding with a celebratory tour would appear tone‑deaf amid a period of collective sorrow.

Cancellation Decision and Immediate Reactions

State House, citing “national mourning protocols,” announced that the Ukambani tour was postponed indefinitely. The statement read, in part: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Raila Odinga. In respect of the grieving nation, the President has decided to suspend upcoming public engagements that are not essential to government operations.”

Local officials were quick to react. Kitui County Governor Kivutha Kibwana expressed disappointment, noting that “the projects were meant to bring jobs and improve livelihoods for our people.” He added that county staff would continue with preparatory work, but the official launch ceremonies would be rescheduled.

Meanwhile, organizers of the independent Mashujaa Day event – Ebony Ella Productions – insisted the celebration would go ahead on 20 October 2025 at 09:00 EAT. “We have already sold tickets and booked performers. The community deserves a day of pride, even if the president cannot attend,” said the company’s managing director, Grace Wanjiku.

Implications for Infrastructure and Local Communities

Delaying the road openings means contractors will miss the projected “rain‑season” window that typically speeds up paving work. The Kwasiku‑Migwani‑Mbondoni corridor, for instance, was slated to connect farmers to the Mwingi market before the November harvest. A delay could push transport costs higher for smallholder producers who rely on timely road access.

Affordable‑housing projects, meanwhile, were expected to accommodate about 3,500 low‑income families across Kitui and Makueni. The Ministry of Housing has warned that postponement could stall the allocation of government‑subsidised units, leaving many families in a limbo as they await the official hand‑over ceremony and the release of allocation letters.

On the flip side, some analysts argue that the pause offers a chance to reassess project scopes. “We’ve seen under‑budgeting in similar road works before. A brief reset could ensure better quality and longer‑term sustainability,” noted Dr. Samuel Karanja, a transport‑policy researcher at the University of Nairobi.

Future Outlook and Rescheduling

State House has promised a new schedule but gave no concrete date. Sources close to the president say the administration hopes to reconvene the tour once the nation’s mourning period—traditionally 14 days—has elapsed, pushing a realistic window to early November.

In the meantime, the president’s office will continue to monitor the progress of the projects through regular ministerial briefings. The Ministry of Transport confirmed that “on‑ground work will not stop; only the ceremonial launches are on hold.”

Politically, the cancellation may bolster Ruto’s image as a leader who respects national sentiment, but critics worry it also highlights the fragility of development agendas that hinge on high‑profile visits. Opposition leaders have called for a more institutionalised rollout of infrastructure—one that doesn’t rely on presidential roadshows.

Whatever the outcome, the Ukambani region will watch closely. Residents of Kitui’s Mwingi West constituency told us, “We were excited about the new road because it meant our children could get to school faster. We understand the mourning, but we also need the road soon.”