President William Ruto on Monday launched a charm offensive in the political stronghold of the late former prime minister Raila Odinga, rallying Kisumu residents to support his call for structured talks with the ODM party.
The President, who was in the region to attend the fifth graduation ceremony of Uzima University, also unveiled a series of development projects aimed at transforming the lakeside city.
Addressing a charged crowd after a march from the famed Kondele Grounds, President Ruto framed the proposed dialogue as a historic necessity. He said the talks were intended to end ethnic political consolidation and foster national unity, directly asking residents to give him a mandate to engage ODM leadership.
“For us to deal with ethnicity, do you allow us to proceed with the talks to form the government post-2027?” the President asked, drawing loud approval from the crowd.
He expressed confidence that the process would succeed and issued a pointed warning to critics. “We will deal with the opposition very early in the morning,” he said.
In a sharp critique, Ruto dismissed the opposition as lacking direction. “They have no plan, agenda or brains to transform this country,” he said. “I am happy you know those people without vision, plan, agenda and brains.”
The push for talks received immediate backing from local ODM leaders, signalling a possible shift in the region’s political alignment.
Kisumu Deputy governor Mathews Owili told the President that ODM had agreed to allow Oburu Oginga to engage in talks aimed at forming the next government. “We thank you for building the bridge of peace,” Owili said.
Area MPs also offered open support for the national administration. Nyando MP Jared Okello said the region had benefited from development under Ruto’s leadership.
“Since you became President, we have seen development. You have shown us the beauty of being in government, and we are going nowhere,” Okello said.
He credited the President with supporting Raila’s elevation to prime minister in 2008 and praised the inclusion of local leaders in senior government positions.
“We are going to vote for you, and you will serve two terms whether they like it or not,” he added.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron confirmed the local mandate for dialogue, saying the region had authorised Oburu to engage the President.
Kisumu West MP Roza Buyu used a biblical metaphor, saying Raila had promised to lead them to Canaan and urging Ruto to complete the journey “through Singapore”.
Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko said the President was steadily gaining support in what was once a Nyanza political stronghold.
Seizing the moment, the President outlined ongoing and planned development projects for the region. On the Affordable Housing Programme, he cited construction works at the Anderson, Makasembo and Kanyakwar estates, officially unveiling the Kanyakwar site on Friday.
In healthcare, he pledged an additional Sh3 billion for the upgrade of the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Dismissing the existing stadium as substandard, the President promised a new modern sports facility. “We have set aside Sh900 million for a new stadium. I promise you, we will host the next Jamhuri Day celebrations here in Kisumu,” he said.
On transport infrastructure, Ruto announced a firm date for the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway beyond the Naivasha Inland Container Depot.
“The railway will reach Kisumu and Malaba. It will be launched on March 20,” he said to cheers.
He also announced that he would return to Kisumu next Monday to launch the Nyota Fund disbursement, a financial inclusion initiative targeting small-scale traders.
“Sh450 million will be distributed to small-scale traders here to boost their businesses,” he said.
Comments 0
Sign in to join the conversation
Sign In Create AccountNo comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!