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While in Siaya, the President called for unity among leaders and citizens to focus on the development of the county.
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He emphasised the importance of moving beyond tribalism and working together to ensure the country's progresses.
Image: PCS
President William Ruto is levering his support for Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union job, role in the 2007 elections and development projects to woo Nyanza residents.
In his four-day tour of the region that ends on Saturday, Ruto recounted his long-standing political history with Raila.
While asking the residents to support him for standing with the ODM leader, the President heaped praise on his newfound friend, exciting the mammoth crowds that turned up to receive him.
“Me and you have a long history. I was a founding member and deputy party leader of ODM. Even when Raila was appointed as the Prime Minister, I played a small role. I had some input. Did I contribute or not?” he said to the excited crowd.
“Let me ask you, if I helped Baba at that time, is there a problem if he helps me now? I have come here to seek your support and ask you that we unite and work together.”
Ruto was Raila’s deputy in the ODM pentagon contested the 2007 election against President Mwai Kibaki's Party of National Unity.
ODM contested the results of the polls, triggering widespread chaos. Later, the National Accord was signed, with Raila becoming the Prime Minister.
Ruto said Raila's agreement to work with him to unite Kenya and his reform credentials made him support him for the Africa Union Commission chairmanship.
On Tuesday, August 26, Ruto hosted East Africa Community heads of state and other top officials from the region to launch the Azimio leaders' bid.
While referring to Raila as his big brother, Ruto said the ODM leader is a true democratic whose leadership skills have been felt beyond Kenya’s borders.
While in Siaya, the President called for unity among leaders and citizens to focus on the development of the county.
He emphasised the importance of moving beyond tribalism and working together to ensure the country's progresses.
The President, who launched several projects in the county, said the formation of a broad-based government aims to unite all Kenyans.
Ruto broke ground for the construction of the Siaya Integrated Modern Market Hub Phase I in Alego Usonga. He also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Alego Usonga affordable housing project.
The head of state also commissioned the Usonga Siriwo Rice Mill, which will facilitate increased food production in Siaya and Busia counties.
In Mageta, Bondo constituency, he commissioned the Mageta Island Solar Grid, which will power 1,400 households, support fish trading by powering cold rooms and improving public service delivery in hospitals and schools.
Speaking during the homecoming ceremony of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Senator Oburu Odinga hinted at Raila and the region returning favours in the next polls.
“You have received a kind of reception that you have never received since you started coming to this region. This is because Raila has embraced you,” Oburu said in Ugunja, Siaya
“It is not bad to return favours. We know the role you played in 2007. We also know the role you played in the grassroots. Kalenjins gave Raila the highest number of votes.
“As things move, let us continue to talk. Let us continue to negotiate. Let the people feel the government."
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the unity between Raila and Ruto needs the support of all Kenyans.
“The partnership between Ruto and Raila must be taken seriously, and we must thank God that it has materialised. It is this partnership that will make Raila AUC chairman. Africa needs stability and we are confident will be elected,” he said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo reinforced the county’s commitment to supporting the President's development initiatives, calling for genuine unity.
Orengo affirmed that while Siaya would back the Ruto’s efforts, they would also maintain their loyalty to their political parties.
"You let your party go its way, and our ODM party will also go its way. However, if God wills, in three years, I believe we might embark on a shared journey,” Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said.
National Assembly Majority leader Kimani Ichung'wa called for politics-centred on development, urging leaders to abandon divisive strategies based on ethnicity and regionalism.