Various members of Parliament attended the thanksgiving prayer ceremony of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo on Thursday in Siaya County in an event that was graced by President William Ruto.
The event at in Mutumbu Primary School marked the start of the President's four-day tour of the Nyanza region that will also see him visit Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties.
Below is the highlight of what leaders who spoke during the prayer service said.
Kimani Ichung'wah, Majority Leader National Assembly and Kikuyu MP
Let us look at one another as brothers and sisters under one leader H.E President William Ruto. I urge leaders from Luo Nyanza not to allow to be threatened for working with the President. Also, do not allow anyone to plan your politics for you. Plan yourselves well so that in 2027 we form the government together.
I saw a woman holding a UDA placard here in Mutumbu and wondered whether I was in Siaya. I have confirmed that I'm in Siaya and now agree that things have changed. The President passed ODM secondary school and joined UDA university.
Gideon Ochanda, MP Bondo
This is a moment in history that many of us will agree is extremely rare. That this kind of gathering is happening and people are trying to forget about the elections.
Our people, it's time to think twice or even thrice. Being far from government has not been helping us. The President is non-other than William Ruto and if you wait for another President then you will wait forever.
Mark Nyamita, Uriri MP
Mr President, the people of this country are yearning for development and it is you that God gave us. It's very unfortunate that some people fight us when we come to you.
They say that we do bring our stomachs. Now we have opened a digital laboratory here in Mutumbu. Is that laboratory Elisha's (MP) stomach? We have seen results every time that this region has worked closely with government.
Caroli Omondi, Suba South MP
You heard we were expelled but let me assure you that there will be no by-election in Gem. Others met him in Mombasa. If it's good in Mombasa then it is good in Nairobi.
We the leaders born after independence are out to kill tribalism and ensure Kenya is on the map to the first world. We voted the way they asked ask to do. Let them not bother us with what happened in Nairobi because we don't have a clue.
Evans Kidero, former Nairobi Governor
Whoever has eyes to see. Those with ears to hear. You scratch my back I scratch yours.
Nelson Koech, Belgut MP
You do not need a kingpin to develop Nyanza. The coming of the President here demonstrates that he wants all government projects implemented in every corner of this country.
Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o, Lang'ata MP
I'm the only person who can defeat Elisha here in Gem but I'm not leaving Lang’ata. Therefore, Elisha will still be the Gem MP. Jatelo nyaka bed gi gik Moko adek. Duok singo. Duog dala. Nyaka cham. (A leader must do three things: Obey promises, come back home and be ready to give people food)
David Ochieng, Ugenya MP
I'm happy that what we started long time ago is now coming to fruition. You need to keep on electing your MP to get positions in Parliament. You reap maximum benefits if you keep electing new people.
The government has given you Hustler Fund, scholarship to those joining universities and subsidised fertiliser. Let us utilise them. In the coming election, I will go to President Ruto direct.
Tom Ojienda, Senator, Kisumu County
Mr President, you will get a second term as the President of the Republic of Kenya. You are a Statesman. I don’t fear because Nyanza needs change. It is only that there is no Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to preside over an election. I would have resigned.
Aaron Cheruiyot, Senator, Kericho
When we were growing up the biggest town that we knew was Sondu town. I'm heartbroken that there are flareups at the border town. Borders are artificial but love and bond cannot be separated by those silly boundaries.
Those criminals should go to heaven direct. Those who put someone to death should themselves not live. Brethren, let us leave together in peace. Kalenjins and Luos are one people. We are both Nilotes.
William Oduol, Deputy Governor Siaya County
Thank you, your excellence for the support you and the Senate gave me during my choreographed impeachment process. We ensured political witch-hunt was not sanitised on the floor of the Senate.
Corruption is corruption. ODM leaders are quick to talk about corruption in the national government but are silent about corruption in their region and in particular Siaya County.
Yala swamp is our only gold. Selfish political leaders leased Lake Agro Limited 17,000 acres for a period of 66 years. I ask your government to investigate how the swamp was dubiously leased.
Nicholas Gumbo, former Rarieda MP
Instead of the less than 10,000 votes you (President Ruto) got we'll make sure you get more than 200,000 votes. We owe you a debt of gratitude.