President William Ruto was Tuesday treated to a rousing welcome in Kondele area of Kisumu County after a mammoth crowd turned up to welcome him.
The President visited the area after the opening of the 4th Africa Sub-Sovereign Network Conference being held at the Swiss Grand Royal Hotel.
President Ruto and Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o were welcomed by dancers ahead of the official opening of the conference.
As his convoy made its way into the area, Ruto was flanked by an ecstatic crowd that appeared excited to see him.
The President’s heroic reception is the second in the Lakeside City after the formation of a broad-based government.
On August 28, Ruto brought Kisumu to a standstill after the crowd in Kisumu welcomed him by waving white handkerchiefs even as he called for national unity.
Ruto expressed surprise at the warm reception, contrasting it with the stoning of his motorcade during a campaign stop in 2021 when he visited the area as Deputy President.
“Kisumu people love peace. I am surprised and happy to see that,” Ruto said in his first visit to the Lakeside city since appointing three ODM members into his broad-based government.
Ruto appointed John Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (MSME Development).
Then, Ruto assured his commitment to forging a united country and urged the people of Nyanza to join his agenda.
“We are one people, a family, and I want you to join me in building a united country,” he said.
Ruto also expressed gratitude to Odinga for supporting his efforts to form a broad-based government.
The area has in the past been volatile towards him owing to the political differences that existed between him and Raila Odinga.
But since they closed ranks, the region has expressed solidarity with President Ruto.
Ruto is not only backing Raila for the African Union Chairperson, but he is also having talks with other African leaders for support in the bid.
