A section of residents at Bukembe in Bungoma County burnt UDA and Ford Kenya merchandise shortly after President William Ruto left the area on Friday.
The incident came moments after Ruto addressed residents at Bukembe following the launch of the construction of the 41-kilometre Bukembe-Nzoia Market-Mutomolo road, one of several major engagements the President undertook during his working visit to Bungoma.
Videos and photographs obtained by WKT showed political merchandise being set on fire, with some youths reportedly chanting opposition slogans.
Ruto’s visit to Bungoma was anchored on the State Music Gala, which marked the culmination of the 98th National Music Festival at Kibabii University, while his rally in Bukembe provided a platform to showcase development projects his administration says are set to transform Bungoma and the wider Western Kenya region.
Ruto launches 41km Bukembe-Nzoia-Mutomolo road
One of the key events of the visit was the launch of construction of the 41-kilometre Bukembe-Nzoia Market-Mutomolo road and associated access roads.
The road is expected to improve connectivity between Bukembe, Nzoia Sugar Company and surrounding areas while easing the movement of agricultural produce and other goods.
The project was presented as a major boost to residents and businesses that have for years relied on sections of road infrastructure that have hampered trade and transportation.
Ruto also used the occasion to announce the construction of a modern market at Bukembe at a reported cost of KSh100 million.
The President said the market would provide better trading facilities for small-scale traders and reduce the difficulties faced by traders who currently operate in exposed and poorly equipped spaces.
President tours Nzoia Sugar Company
From Bukembe, the President’s program also took him to Nzoia Sugar Company, where he inspected operations and assessed progress in the ongoing revival and modernisation of the factory.
Ruto said reforms in the sugar sector were beginning to restore productivity, with farmers benefiting from faster payments and factory workers receiving their salaries on time. He said sugarcane farmers were now expected to receive payment within seven days of delivering cane, while annual bonuses were also being introduced.
The President attributed the improvement to measures including the digital farmers’ register, cheaper farm inputs, the reduction of fertiliser prices and efforts to eliminate cartels in the sugar industry.
Nzoia Sugar resumed milling in January 2026 after a seven-month shutdown, following the takeover of its operations by West Kenya Sugar Company under the government’s leasing arrangement.
The factory has since undergone rehabilitation involving key machinery and production systems, with the revival seen as significant for thousands of sugarcane farmers who depend on the miller.
Ruto also welcomed plans for the construction of a dam at the company’s Nucleus Estate, which is expected to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture and create capacity for increased sugarcane production.
Ruto’s political message in Bungoma
Beyond development projects, Ruto used his Bungoma engagements to make a strong political pitch as he continues positioning his administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The President attacked opposition leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and their allies, accusing them of concentrating on calls for his removal rather than presenting an alternative programme for the country.
He also criticised former President Uhuru Kenyatta, whom he accused of supporting opposition politicians against his administration.
