Cheruiyot Addresses Kalenjin Media Stations in Exclusive Interview, Backs Ruto for Second Term

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot has reaffirmed his strong support for President William Ruto’s bid for a second term, declaring that his top political priority is to help ensure the President secures another five-year mandate in the upcoming General Election.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Kalenjin media stations, Cheruiyot outlined what he described as key achievements of the Kenya Kwanza administration, highlighting developments in infrastructure, healthcare, education and agriculture. He said the government’s record should form an important part of the national political conversation as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.

Cheruiyot praised President Ruto’s administration for investing in road construction and improvement across different parts of the country. He said the expansion and rehabilitation of roads have improved connectivity while creating better opportunities for businesses, farmers and communities.

According to Cheruiyot, good road infrastructure remains an important foundation for economic development because it facilitates the movement of people, agricultural produce and other goods from rural areas to markets. He said continued investment in roads would help unlock economic opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Kenyans.

The Senate Majority Leader also highlighted developments in the health sector, with particular focus on the Social Health Authority, commonly known as SHA. He defended the new health insurance system as an important government reform aimed at improving access to healthcare and ensuring more Kenyans can receive medical services.

Cheruiyot encouraged Kenyans to register with SHA and familiarise themselves with the system so that they can benefit from available healthcare services. He said healthcare remains a critical component of national development, noting that families can face significant financial challenges when they are unable to access affordable medical care.

Education was another key area highlighted during the interview. Cheruiyot pointed to the construction and improvement of schools as part of the government’s efforts to enhance learning environments across the country.

He said investment in education is essential because schools play a central role in preparing young people for employment, entrepreneurship and other opportunities. According to Cheruiyot, improving school infrastructure should go hand in hand with efforts to strengthen the quality of education and equip learners with skills relevant to the changing economy.

On agriculture, Cheruiyot urged farmers to move beyond the production and sale of raw agricultural products and embrace value addition. He particularly encouraged tea and coffee farmers to invest in processing facilities and factories that can add value to their produce before it reaches local and international markets.

He argued that greater local processing could enable farmers to benefit more directly from their products while creating employment and strengthening local economies. Cheruiyot said farmers should view agriculture not only as a source of raw materials but also as a business opportunity that can generate greater income through processing, packaging and marketing.

The Senate Majority Leader also encouraged investment in dairy farming and milk production. He said the dairy sector has significant potential to improve household incomes, particularly for farmers who invest in better breeds, proper feeding, modern farming practices and reliable markets.

Cheruiyot emphasised the importance of strengthening the entire dairy value chain, from production and collection to processing and marketing. He said increased milk production, coupled with better processing systems, could provide farmers with more stable income while contributing to the growth of the wider agricultural economy.

The Senator also turned his attention to the political opposition, particularly leaders associated with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Cheruiyot criticised the opposition, accusing its leaders of failing to present what he considers a meaningful and development-oriented agenda for the country.

He challenged opposition leaders to move beyond political criticism and provide Kenyans with clear and practical solutions to the challenges facing the country. Cheruiyot said voters should assess political leaders based on their development plans and ability to address issues affecting ordinary citizens.

He maintained that political competition should focus on ideas, policies and development rather than personal attacks and political confrontation.

Cheruiyot also used the interview to urge residents of Bomet and Kericho counties to prepare to welcome President Ruto during his scheduled tour of the two counties on September 9, 10 and 11.

He called on residents to take advantage of the President’s visit to present their concerns, grievances and development priorities directly to the Head of State. Cheruiyot said communities should organise themselves and clearly articulate the issues affecting them so that the government can better understand their needs.

Among the areas he encouraged residents to raise are roads, agriculture, healthcare, education, infrastructure and other development concerns affecting livelihoods at the grassroots level.

He said the President’s tour should not only be viewed as a political event but also as an opportunity for residents to engage with the government and push for solutions to challenges affecting their communities.

As political activity increases ahead of the 2027 General Election, Cheruiyot also urged Kenyans to prepare early by ensuring they are registered as voters and have their voter cards.

He encouraged eligible citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders. He said Kenyans should make informed decisions based on the leadership record, policies and development plans presented by political candidates.

Cheruiyot maintained that development should remain at the centre of the political conversation, pointing to roads, healthcare, education and agriculture as key sectors that require continued attention and investment.

He reiterated that his primary political objective is to see President William Ruto secure a second term, saying he will continue supporting and mobilising for the President while highlighting what he considers the administration’s achievements.

With the 2027 elections drawing closer, Cheruiyot’s remarks underline the growing political focus on President Ruto’s re-election campaign and the emerging competition between the government and opposition formations.

For residents of Bomet and Kericho, the upcoming presidential tour is expected to provide an opportunity to raise local development concerns, while for political leaders, it will offer another platform to engage voters and shape the political conversation ahead of the next General Election.