Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabbir was overwhelmed with emotion as President William Ruto launched the construction of the key Rabuor-Chiga-Kibos road during a stopover in Rabuor.

Addressing the gathering, the veteran lawmaker expressed profound gratitude to the Head of State, noting that construction has commenced just four years into President Ruto’s administration after decades of stalled pledges.

“I want to say that I feel happier than any other person in this country; this road is so dear to me,” said Shabbir. “I have followed up on this road for the last 22 years. All former Heads of State who served in this country declined my requests. Thank you very much, and I assure you we shall stand by you.”

Shabbir, currently serving his fourth consecutive term, remains a unique figure in Nyanza politics, standing as the only lawmaker in the region to hold onto his parliamentary seat continuously since his initial election in 2007.

The launch of the infrastructure project marks a major milestone for Kisumu East residents, who have long contended with poor transport networks connecting the agricultural and commercial centers of Rabuor, Chiga, and Kibos.