President William Ruto is set to embark on a two-day development tour of Migori County from May 4 to 5, marking yet another strategic visit to the heart of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s political stronghold in Luo Nyanza. The tour will cover five constituencies: Suna East, Suna West, Rongo, Uriri, and Awendo, underscoring Ruto’s growing interest in the region ahead of the 2027 general election.
Ahead of the visit, Ruto met with political leaders from Migori on April 30 to coordinate preparations and finalise the itinerary. The tour follows a broader effort by the president to consolidate support in regions traditionally aligned with the opposition, especially following the formal cooperation deal signed in March between his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Raila’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During the visit, Ruto is expected to launch several development initiatives including the Stella-Gogo-Sibuoche tarmac road and a 200-unit affordable housing project in Uriri Constituency. These projects are part of the government’s national agenda aimed at promoting equitable development regardless of political affiliations.
Local leaders have welcomed the president’s visit with optimism. Uriri MP Mark Nyamita stated, “We fully welcome the president, and we hope the visit will unlock key economic sectors in the county.” Suna West MP Peter Masara confirmed that Ruto will also attend an interdenominational church service at Kadika Primary School on May 4.
Ruto’s repeated visits to Luo Nyanza, including a notable four-day tour last August, signal a clear intention to expand his political reach as alliances begin to take shape ahead of 2027. The growing rapport between Ruto and Raila once staunch political rivals has transformed the region into a potential support base for the president.
Meanwhile, former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i is also positioning himself as a presidential contender, with plans to tour the Gusii region on May 2, reflecting early signs of a competitive race.
Ruto’s visit to Migori is not only a development mission but a calculated political move as he seeks to broaden his coalition beyond the traditional Mt. Kenya and Rift Valley bases.
