President Ruto Extends Olive Branch to Raila During Nyanza Tour

President William Ruto's second day of his Nyanza tour took place on Saturday as he made his way to Homa Bay County.

The leg of his trip is characterised by a conciliatory tone having extended an olive branch to his political opponent Raila Odinga. Ruto is currently on a four-day tour of Nyanza, having already visited Siaya County during which he called for Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya leader to endorse his leadership for the benefit of the common mwananchi. Highlighting his friendship with Raila in 2007, Dr Ruto pointed to their shared background in the pursuit of the presidency. He said the time has now come for the ODM leader to support him concerning the greater good. Mr Odinga had previously served through the ODM Pentagon with Principal Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other political powerhouses.

"In 2007, together with Mr Odinga, we were looking for the presidency. We did not get it, instead, we found the Prime Minister position. Years later, we are here and we have the presidency that we were looking for, why can't he support me?" asked President Ruto while speaking at Mr Odinga's Siaya backyard on Friday.

While attending Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo's homecoming event in Mutumbu village, President Ruto stressed the importance of all-inclusive leadership and the need to push tribal politics behind. Speaking alongside Ruto on on Saturday, Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah added that all elected leaders are collaborating with the government to promote development across Kenya, including in Nyanza where some leaders have faced criticism for working with President Ruto. Ichung’wah encouraged them not to give in to fears created by others. Addressing the unrest in Sondu, Senator Aaron Cheruiyot held the police stationed in the region accountable.

According to Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, a powerful yearning for advancement consumes the populace of the country, including the Nyanza region which appears to be undergoing a time of renaissance. Additionally, he encouraged the local residents to show their support for Mr. Odhiambo's decision to collaborate with the President. Uriri MP Mark Nyamita levied criticisms against ODM leaders who disputed their association with Dr Ruto. Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda proffered that a transformation awaits Nyanza's political landscape.

"As Nyanza people, we must think twice or thrice. We have seen that being far from the government doesn't help us at all. This is the reason I vowed to work with President Ruto," said Dr Ochanda.

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi expressed dissatisfaction with the ODM party, accusing them of dishonesty for expelling them from the party. The newly elected lawmaker insisted that the younger generation of leaders in Nyanza, who were born after the country gained independence, must collaborate with the government in order to bring about transformation in the region. Siaya Deputy Governor William Oduol urged Dr Ruto to intervene and assist in reclaiming the Yala swamp from a private company.