Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has hailed Raila Odinga and President William Ruto for putting national interest first and the unity of Kenya after the hotly contested 2022 elections.

Speaking during an empowerment forum in Muhoroni on Friday, July 25, 2025, Kindiki specifically cited Raila’s patriotism as exemplary.

“I want to thank Raila and our president, Ruto, for showing patriotism and nationalism. They have shown that campaigns are not enmity. It is only a matter of choosing our leaders, and after that, the one elected takes over as president for all Kenyans,” he said.

Kindiki further stated that Raila’s legacy has earned him the respect of people from across generations and political divides.

“Those of us who found Raila in politics respect him for what he has done for our country and for putting the nation’s interest first ahead of his own,” he stated.

Support broad-based

While drumming up support for the broad-based government, Kindiki outlined the government’s plans to boost the regions economically through the construction of modern markets.

The DP took the opportunity to urge the constituents to rally behind the government agenda.

“We want to ensure that this broad-based government has brought development in this region and the entire Nyanza, like other regions. Will you support us to stick together and bring development here? We have projects to construct modern markets here in Kisumu. From Kibuye to Mamboleo to Sondu at the border. We will construct up to 17 markets for the people of Kisumu to conduct their business,” he stated.

Kindiki’s comments come after Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga vehemently defended the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) position on the controversial broad-based government agreement.

Wanga’s remarks came amid growing unease within the ODM party following public criticism by Sifuna of ODM’s involvement in President William Ruto’s inclusive governance plan.

She emphasised that ODM party leader Raila Odinga has never instructed the party to exit the agreement.

“At no point have we withdrawn from the MoU with the broad-based government. Raila Odinga has never directed us to exit the agreement. So, if you speak against the broad-based government, you’re not speaking on behalf of the ODM party,” she said.