President William Ruto on Monday, May 5, 2025, continued his development tour of Migori County, marking the second day of his visit to ODM leader Raila Odinga’s political stronghold. The three-day tour, widely interpreted as a strategic move to woo the Nyanza region ahead of the 2027 general elections, includes inspection and commissioning of key development projects.
On Sunday, May 4, Ruto began his tour in Suna West Constituency, where he attended an interdenominational prayer service. He later moved to Suna East to launch the construction of a technical training institute and inaugurate a new Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Piny Oyie. The day concluded with the launch of the Kehancha Affordable Housing Project in Kuria West.
Day two of the tour began in Rongo Constituency with Ruto inspecting the Kosir ESP market. He proceeded to Awendo, where he launched the construction of the Awendo Animal Health Training Institute. In Uriri, the president donated a school bus to St. Pius Uriri High School. He later traveled to Nyatike to launch the construction of the Muhuru Bay pier and commission the Muhuru-Masara Road project.
Ruto’s presence in the region and his emphasis on development are being seen as a tactical effort to leverage his improving relationship with Raila Odinga to gain ground in traditional ODM zones.
However, the visit was marred by an incident on May 4, when a shoe was hurled at the President during his address in Kuria West. The act drew widespread condemnation from leaders across the political divide. Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi warned of the potential consequences of such behavior, stressing that disrespect for the presidency sets a dangerous precedent.
National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chair Nelson Koech called the attack “a dangerous escalation” and warned that it undermines national security. Senator Richard Onyonka echoed these sentiments, stating, “There is no justification for this whatsoever.”
Despite the tension, Ruto has remained focused on his development agenda, underscoring his commitment to uniting the country through economic transformation and regional outreach.
