President William Ruto’s three-day tour of the Nyanza region kicked off with a strong show of support from key opposition leaders, despite growing tensions following the assassination of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were. In a symbolic moment of political realignment, several prominent figures allied to ODM leader Raila Odinga reaffirmed their loyalty to Ruto and pledged to back the bipartisan government.
At a church service in Homa Bay County, leaders including Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed voiced unwavering support for the Head of State. Their declarations come amid visible cracks within ODM, with some members uneasy about Raila’s cooperation with the Ruto administration.
While Siaya Governor James Orengo has called for a reassessment of ODM’s engagement with the government, leaders at the event dismissed dissent and emphasized the benefits of the broad-based government for Nyanza’s development. Mbadi highlighted the administration’s economic agenda, promising a fair and effective budget that would address long-standing regional disparities.
Ruto reassured the region of justice in Were’s killing, vowing to pursue the culprits and their collaborators. Interior PS Raymond Omollo urged leaders to avoid inflammatory statements that could hinder investigations.
The President also unveiled an ambitious development package for Nyanza, including Sh2 billion for road projects, Sh1.9 billion for rural electrification, and major investments in fish landing sites, markets, and stadiums. Framing his partnership with Raila as a move toward equitable development, Ruto assured ODM supporters of their place in his government.
Leaders, including MPs from Uriri, Awendo, and Rongo, boldly projected their support for Ruto into the 2032 elections, with some branding the bipartisan arrangement as a stroke of political genius. Oburu Oginga took aim at critics like Orengo, questioning the need for protests in a time of development-focused governance.
The visit marks a significant moment in Ruto’s efforts to consolidate support in the opposition stronghold, as political loyalties shift in the wake of national realignment.
