President William Ruto has vowed to strengthen his ties with Raila Odinga noting it is in the best interest of the country.
Speaking in Homabay when he commissioned the Oyugis water project, Ruto explained that Raila’s decision to support him deliver on his mandate is rooted in their past political relations.
He told the residents that he once played a vital role in backing him in his political ambition.
“You know I was once his foot soldier, and you know there was a time I once helped him, so if Baba returns a hand to help me, is there any problem?” he posed.
Ruto was among the key leaders who supported Raila in his presidential candidature in the 2007 general election.
Underscoring the importance of the newfound relations, Ruto said they have wholly agreed to support him in his quest for the African Union Commission chairmanship seat.
"You all saw the other day we resolved that Raila Amollo Odinga deserves to be our African leader and it is not only Kenyans alone but also the entire East Africa Community," he stated.
Ruto officially launched Raila’s bid on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi in an event attended by Presidents Samia Suluhu (Tanzania), Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Salva Kiir (South Sudan).
He also unveiled the secretariat that will spearhead the campaigns.
The head of state is on a four-day development tour of the Nyanza region which started Wednesday.
He is scheduled to inspect the Homa Bay fish market and later launch the Rusinga Ring road before wrapping up the day with the thanksgiving ceremony of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Leaders present include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), John Mbadi (Treasury) and Governor Gladys Wanga among other elected leaders.
