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On Sunday, Nyanza leaders took swift action to ease growing political tensions, especially among Raila Odinga’s allies uneasy about his ongoing cooperation with President William Ruto.
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Speaking during a church service that launched Ruto’s three-day tour of the region, prominent figures from the opposition-leaning area expressed unwavering loyalty to the President. They downplayed dissent within ODM and signaled support for the bipartisan deal—some even hinting at backing Ruto for a second term.
Among those who stood by the President were Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, and several MPs including Suna East’s Junet Mohamed. They pledged to continue supporting Ruto and dismissed internal resistance.
The unease within ODM has been further intensified by the assassination of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were. Nyanza’s strategic political value for the 2027 elections has clearly placed it at the center of Ruto’s attention.
While Siaya Governor James Orengo urged caution over the Ruto-Raila alliance, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga pointed to Were’s murder as a troubling indicator of deepening instability.
Nonetheless, pro-Raila leaders insisted the bipartisan arrangement must continue beyond 2027, framing it as critical for addressing the region’s longstanding development gaps.
Treasury CS Mbadi defended the political alliance, arguing it would help deliver a balanced and effective national budget, benefiting historically marginalized counties like Siaya, Kisumu, and Migori.
President Ruto also addressed the murder of MP Were, vowing to ensure justice is served. “We will leave no stone unturned. Those responsible will be brought to book,” he said. Interior PS Raymond Omollo echoed this, urging leaders to avoid inflammatory remarks that might disrupt investigations.
Ruto used the platform to reiterate that his collaboration with Raila was rooted in equitable development, asserting that no region should be sidelined. He reassured ODM supporters of their place in his government, citing his past role as deputy party leader.
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He then laid out a series of development pledges for the region, including Sh700 million for road contractors, Sh2 billion to complete 15 roads, Sh1.9 billion to electrify 18,000 homes, a new pier at Muhuru Bay, a fish landing site, a Sh700 million stadium, and market upgrades worth Sh900 million.
Migori Governor Ayacko described the Ruto-Raila alliance as a political masterstroke and urged forgiveness for those initially opposed to it. Junet Mohamed reinforced ODM’s support for the partnership, dismissing opposing voices such as that of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Energy CS Wandayi and Oburu Oginga also slammed dissenters, with Oburu criticizing Governor Orengo’s calls for protests and asking, “What more are we fighting for beyond roads, water, and healthcare?”
Even former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, once Ruto’s only known ally in the region, welcomed the bipartisan agreement.
Several MPs went further to endorse Ruto’s leadership beyond 2027, with declarations of support extending to 2032. Uriri MP Mark Nyamita, Awendo MP Walter Owino, Rongo MP Paul Abuor, and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo all voiced strong backing for Ruto’s long-term leadership, citing the inclusive nature of his administration.
