The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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President William Ruto on June 18 welcomed a delegation of Kisumu County leaders, led by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, to State House in Nairobi.
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This meeting is part of a broader outreach to political leaders from the Luo Nyanza region, as the President intensifies efforts to court support from an area traditionally allied to opposition chief Raila Odinga.
The engagement follows a similar meeting earlier this month with leaders from Siaya County, headed by Governor James Orengo, where Ruto pledged development projects worth Sh3 billion.
These include a Sh1 billion blue economy investment, with Sh600 million set aside for Usenge Pier and port facilities, Sh400 million for a modern fish market, and Sh2.5 billion earmarked for the construction of 16 markets.
The President also announced a Sh1.6 billion last-mile electricity programme targeting 16,000 households and expressed plans to secure an additional Sh500 million to connect 5,000 more homes.
The June 18 talks are widely viewed as part of Ruto’s broader strategy to win over the Luo Nyanza vote ahead of the 2027 elections. This comes amid growing signs of discontent in his previous Mt. Kenya stronghold following his political split with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Governor Nyong’o, a senior ODM figure and previously a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza administration, has recently softened his stance. In April, he had accused the national government of undermining devolution, particularly by retaining control over roads through agencies like KURA and KERRA.
He argued that such functions should fall under county governments, as outlined in the 2010 Constitution.
However, during Ruto’s high-profile visit to Kisumu on June 5 ahead of Madaraka Day, Nyong’o appeared more conciliatory, describing the visit as a milestone in Kisumu’s development journey. He lauded the collaboration between national and county governments, calling it a symbol of how political unity can accelerate progress.
Among the flagship projects launched during the visit were the Makasembo affordable housing development, the Lake Victoria Marina project in Kirembe, and the third phase of Makasembo housing, all under the national government’s plan to increase access to affordable homes.
Governor Nyong’o also acknowledged Raila Odinga’s contribution of five hectares of land in Kirembe for the housing initiative, calling it a powerful sign of the former Prime Minister’s dedication to Kisumu’s growth and the housing agenda.
“This gesture reinforces his commitment to ensuring every Kenyan has access to decent and affordable shelter,” said Nyong’o.
