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Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai says he will support President William Ruto’s re-election in the 2027 polls.

Speaking during the official opening of the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival ‘Tobonglore’ in Lodwar town on Thursday, October 12, the governor who was elected on the opposition’s ODM party ticket in last year’s polls, also pledged to rally six sub-counties in Turkana behind the Kenya Kwanza leader in the next general election.

“I want to assure you that I will deliver the Turkana vote basket to you. There is no bargain about that. I will deliver for you the six sub-counties,” the governor said.

At the same time, the governor pledged to work with Ruto’s administration for the benefit of the locals.

Alleging threats from the opposition side, the county boss affirmed that he would not succumb to pressure to backtrack on his decision to support the Kenya Kwanza government.

“I am elected by Turkana County people. Those who are making threats that the Turkana Governor is working with the President, who told them that is a crime?” The first-term governor posed.

“I will work with you now and in the future.”

In an apparent endorsement of Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei’s proposal to extend the presidential term limit, Governor Lomorukai said Ruto should govern for 14 years.

The governor’s declaration is a blow to ODM party leader Raila Odinga who has enjoyed overwhelming support in the past elections.

The governor has shifted allegiance to Ruto at a time when the ODM party is keen to punish perceived rebel members.

In September, the party affiliated with the Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya coalition announced the expulsion of five lawmakers over their dalliance with Ruto’s administration.

ODM party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) said the decision was arrived at following the consideration of a report by the outfit’s disciplinary committee.

The affected members are MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor ‘Jalang’o’ (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

The party accused the members of violating Article 11(1) (e) of the party constitution and Section 14A of the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political party and opposing lawful decisions/resolutions made by the party organs.