Nairobi, Kenya – August 25, 2024: President William Ruto is preparing for a highly anticipated tour of Luo Nyanza, a region traditionally aligned with his political rival, Raila Odinga. This visit marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics, as Ruto seeks to solidify his relationship with the region by unveiling Raila’s candidacy for the African Union Commission chairperson and launching several key development projects.
A Historic Visit to Raila’s Stronghold
Ruto’s upcoming tour is his most consequential visit to Luo Nyanza, a region where he has faced strong opposition for years. However, the political landscape appears to be shifting, as Ruto’s decision to work closely with Raila’s allies from the region has sparked new excitement and a potential warming of relations.
The President’s strategic move to endorse Raila for the African Union Commission chairpersonship is expected to further strengthen his ties with the region. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, announced this week that Ruto would formally unveil Raila’s candidacy on Tuesday, setting the stage for his tour.
Development Projects and Homecoming Ceremonies
Beginning Wednesday, Ruto will visit Kisumu, Migori, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties, where he is expected to commission and launch several development projects. Among the planned initiatives are the Kuja irrigation scheme in Migori County, a housing project in Kuria, and the Oyus Water project in Homa Bay. The President will also address the last-mile connectivity issue by announcing additional funding for these critical infrastructure projects.
In Kisumu, the President will launch the Miwani-Mamboleo road, the Sh19 billion Sondu-Soin dam, and a ring road around Lake Victoria. These projects are part of Ruto’s broader effort to revitalize stalled initiatives and deliver on his Kenya Kwanza manifesto.
The trip will also include homecoming ceremonies for two prominent figures from the region: Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in Siaya and National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi in Homa Bay. Both were appointed as part of Ruto’s broad-based government, which includes other ODM leaders like Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, and Beatrice Askul.
Political Reconciliation and Regional Priorities
As Ruto’s tour approaches, political leaders from Luo Nyanza are planning a meeting to prioritize the projects that will be launched. Uriri MP Mark Nyamita emphasized the importance of unity among regional leaders, urging them to set aside their differences and collectively push for government funding.
“It is time that our leaders in our region put their differences aside and collectively push for government funding for various projects,” said Nyamita.
Ruto’s visit comes at a time when he has intensified regional tours, focusing on re-launching stalled projects and commissioning new ones across the country. His recent tours of the Coast, Mt Kenya, and Gusii regions have laid the groundwork for his visit to Luo Nyanza, which is seen as a key test of his ability to bridge long-standing political divides.
Raila’s Shift to Continental Politics
Amidst these developments, Raila Odinga has announced that he will be shifting his focus from local politics to the African continent. In a press briefing on Wednesday, Raila revealed that he would be less active in Kenyan politics as he campaigns for the African Union Commission chairpersonship.
“I am not going to be very active in Kenyan politics henceforth as I continue now to focus on the continental campaign. But it is a transitional phase from active Kenyan politics moving towards African continental politics,” Raila stated.
What’s at Stake?
Ruto’s tour of Luo Nyanza could signal a new chapter in Kenyan politics, as the President seeks to build bridges with a region that has historically been a stronghold of his rival. With development projects, political reconciliations, and the endorsement of Raila’s African Union bid on the agenda, this visit could reshape the political landscape in Kenya.
