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For decades, the people of Nyanza positioned themselves as staunch critics of the government, often finding themselves in opposition each general election cycle.

This longstanding political dynamics defined the region as a largely opposition turf, with legendary leaders like former ODM party leader Raila Odinga at the forefront of resistance against various administrations.

However, this trend is now witnessing a significant shift, particularly following Raila’s decision to enter into closer ties with President William Ruto.

Several MPs drawn from either side of the political divide noted that the hitherto active opposition in Nyanza is fast fading in the new political order and instead embracing unity in diversity.

Kuria East MP Marwa Kitayama of UDA noted that this evolving relationship signals a new chapter for Nyanza politics.

Already, President Ruto, recognizing the importance of unity, has reciprocated Odinga’s overtures by campaigning for him in his bid to become the next Chairperson of the African Union (AU).

This position requires its holder to maintain a delicate balance, involving active engagement in domestic politics while representing the continent on the global stage.

As such, this collaboration could yield benefits not only for Raila but also for the people of Nyanza.

The political landscape in Nyanza is further complicated by the departure of Raila from the leadership of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who has handed over the reins to Kisumu County Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o.

This move was seen as a significant transition within the party and the broader political identity of the region.

Nyong’o has since taken over the party and is steering it, saying it was tipped to capture power in 2027 general elections.

“ ODM will form the next government,” he claims. Nyong’o has been blowing both hot and cold since he took over.

At some point, he praised and declared Ruto Tosha assuring him of backing.

But recently, he brewed political storms when he launched a scathing attack on the ruling government over alleged abductions.

Nyong’o declared that if the state does not halt abductions, setting it on a collision path with wananchi, then ODM that believes in sovereign democracy would rethink its working relationship with the state.

This statement did not augur well with everyone in opposition. It was loved and loathed with almost equal measure with some ODM MPs allied to Ruto, terming it harsh while others were in support.

But when the media reported about open divisions in ODM, Nyong’o came out dismissing the claims as untrue and a creation of the media.

He denied any divisions in the party, saying what they said was only an advice to the state to stop abductions or any action inconsistent with the fundamental values of democracy.

“ We aren’t against the state. No. We only want them to sanitize the negative politics of abductions,” he clarified.

As things stand, majority of Nyanza leaders and the electorate by extension aren’t keen on opposition politics.

Not so long ago, Minority leader in the National Assembly Junet Mohammed declared total support for President Ruto.

He told critics of broadbased government and doom mongerers that they were no longer keen on opposition.

“ We can’t be just in opposition for life. Let others also assume the role,” he declared.

But Janet isn’t alone. Many other Nyanza leaders share similar sentiments.

Yesterday, Kitayama asserted that Nyanza can not afford to remain in opposition indefinitely.

He pointed out that certain political factions, particularly from Central Kenya, have historically benefitted from keeping Nyanza in a perpetual state of opposition.

He described this as an unfair cycle, where each election season, Nyanza’s voices are marginalized, allowing others to profit from their discontent.

Emphasizing the need for solidarity, Kitayama called on the residents of Nyanza to rally behind President Ruto in the upcoming 2027 General elections.

He warned against divisive forces that seek to exploit the region’s challenges for their gain.

“We can not accept forces of doom to come in and divide us,” he declared, urging the community to unify in support of Ruto’s presidency.

Kitayama’s message is clear: for Nyanza to break free from its historical opposition role, it must embrace a cooperative political approach that acknowledges the potential for progress through collaboration with the current administration.

This paradigm shift, he believes, is essential for the region’s growth and development.