‘Tutam’ chorus as Ruto invokes Raila’s name

President William Ruto repeatedly invoked the name of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as he wooed the Western region—long regarded as the latter’s political bastion—with his “Tutam” chorus.

In an apparent strategy to appeal to the emotions of residents, who revered the veteran opposition chief, Ruto and his allies urged residents to rally behind the broad-based government.

Ruto formed the broad-based government–incorporating Raila’s troops—following the deadly Gen Z-led protests that nearly paralysed the government last year.

“We want to unite the country the way Raila Odinga guided us—to partner, work together and reject divisive and tribal politics,” he said.

Speaking in Busia on Friday, during the second day of his four-day tour of the region, Ruto said he and Raila had resolved to form an inclusive administration that leaves no community behind.

“I have told these leaders that we are going to work together. Or do you want those other tribal people to come and toss us around here?” Ruto posed.

“Some foolish people claim government is run by shares—that some have more and others less. I want to tell you people of Busia, we have rejected that kind of seclusion and tribalism.”

Ruto said his administration was committed to unity and equitable development.

“That is why we have formed a broad-based government that brings together all Kenyans without sidelining anyone. God made us all Kenyans and my work is to unite and deliver development to all,” he said.

The head of state challenged his competitors to front their alternative development plans instead of propagating what he termed the politics of hate, division and tribalism.

The President persuaded him to grant him another term in office to complete the implementation of his policies, programmes and development projects.

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma echoed the President’s message, urging residents to remain in the broad-based government that Raila left them in.

“Our leader, Raila, and President Ruto came together. Agwambo told us we had joined a broad-based government and that Ruto is our own—we have worked with him before,” he said.

“We will not have another friend like President Ruto. After Raila’s departure, we will continue with the plan he began with Ruto.”

Otuoma, who once served as ODM national vice chairperson, said Ruto could be welcomed back to the ODM fold, calling him “ODM number one” and recalling his role in founding the party.

He said the region would back a working alliance between ODM and Ruto’s UDA ahead of the 2027 general election.

Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya—a long-time Raila ally—said the ODM fraternity would continue working with Ruto in the spirit of Raila’s legacy.

“Because our leader Raila has left us, we have decided as ODM members to work together with President Ruto,” Oparanya said.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Ruto and Raila had created a “huge ship”—the broad-based government—that accommodated all Kenyans regardless of tribe, religion or political affiliation.

“This ship must continue to sail,” Mudavadi said.

“It is big enough for everyone who wants a united and developed Kenya.”

Mudavadi said the President, through a battalion of local leaders, will ring-fence the entire western region from the opposition.

The President launched and inspected several projects implemented by his administration.

He presided over the groundbreaking for Bumbe National Polytechnic hostels and inspected the Nangina Affordable Housing Project in Funyula constituency.

He laid the foundation stone for Busia County Strategic Market, Malaba town, inspected the construction of hostels and a tuition block in Teso South

National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula called for unity in the region and cautioned the residents against division.

“We have nothing to benefit from politics of tribalism, division and incitement. We want to walk together as a community and region,” he said.

Funyula MP Wilberforce Oundo said, ”The way Baba Raila Amollo Odinga said we work with you, we don’t have any other choice but to follow what Baba guided us to work together.”

INSTANT ANALYSIS

For several years, Raila Odinga dominated the politics of Western. President William Ruto had apparently pegged his hope on Raila's endorsement to inherit the vote-rich region. However, with Raila's demise, the President is keen to take charge of the area. He is using Raila's allies from the region to persuade the locals to support him. By repeatedly evoking Raila's name, he is appealing to the hearts and minds of the people.