Ruto set for three-day tour in Raila’s Nyanza backyard

President William Ruto, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko and Suna MP Junet Mohammed during a meeting with leaders from the county at State House on April 30/PCS

President William Ruto is scheduled for a three-day development tour of ODM leader Raila Odinga’s Nyanza stronghold, in what is widely seen as an effort to court the region’s support ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Ruto is expected to land in Migori County on Sunday for a packed itinerary of development events.

It remains unclear whether Raila—who recently signed a cooperative agreement with the President—will accompany him during the visit.

“We have a Sh5 billion KenGen project, which is the highest; we have a couple of markets, electricity, and an affordable housing project,” Nyamita said.

“We are excited; we are telling the President that when other people tell you Ruto must go, I want to tell him to go to Migori."

Some Migori leaders expressed optimism that Ruto’s tour, his third to the county since taking office, will spur development and address local concerns.

“The president will be with us for three days; he will visit all eight subcounties in Migori county. The people of Migori are getting the right audience at the highest level,” Nyamita said.

On Sunday, Ruto will begin his tour in Suna West constituency, where he is set to attend an interdenominational prayer service.

He will then cross over to Suna East to launch the construction of a technical training institute and unveil the new Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Piny Oyie.

Later in the day, he will visit Kuria West for the launch of the Kehancha Affordable Housing Project in Kehancha Town.

Ruto is seen to be keen on leveraging his good relations with Raila to inherit his traditional bases to steady his re-election bid.

Raila has yet to declare his intention to run for president again—after five failed attempts—though his political troops are pushing for his party to field a presidential candidate.

On Monday, the President will head to Rongo constituency to inspect the Kosir ESP Market and unveil a building at Rongo Comprehensive School in Kosir and Rongo Town.

He will proceed to Awendo to launch the construction of the Awendo Animal Health Training Institute in Alara Nyambija, North Sakwa.

The President will also visit Uriri, where he will inspect the ESP Market and hand over a school bus to St. Pius Uriri High School at Oria Market in North Kanyamkago.

In Nyatike, Ruto will launch the construction of the Muhuru Bay Pier, inspect the Muhuru Modern Market and unveil the contractor for the Muhuru–Masara Road on Tuesday.

His tour will conclude in Kuria East, where he will inspect the Ntimaru ESP Market and Affordable Housing Project. He is also expected to issue a school bus to Gokeharaka Secondary School in Ntimaru.

On April 30, President Ruto met leaders from the county, where they discussed development projects for the area.