President William Ruto yesterday hosted leaders from Raila Odinga’s Siaya turf including one of his toughest critics, Governor James Orengo at State House, Nairobi, as political realignments heightened ahead of the 2027 elections.

President Ruto had on Wednesday met Western Kenya leaders who gave him until the end of next month to address what they termed as the skewed distribution of national resources, warning that failure to do so would bode negatively among the electorate in the region.

Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, the Wetern politicians met the President at State House, where they expressed dissatisfaction with how development projects are being allocated—claiming that the Nyanza region is receiving a disproportionate share at the expense of Western Kenya.

Presidential bid

According to sources familiar with the meeting, the leaders reminded Ruto that they were among the first to support his presidential bid and feel betrayed by the current treatment from the government.

“The meeting was chaotic,” one MP who requested anonymity said. “We told him the ground is not happy and demanded an immediate end to the unfair allocation of resources.”

The leaders reportedly cited figures indicating that Nyanza had been allocated approximately Sh6 trillion for road projects, while their region only received Sh1.2 trillion. They also complained of neglect in other sectors such as electricity and water infrastructure.

However, the President is said to have assured them that no region has been sidelined, insisting that all resources are being distributed fairly.

Ruto also reportedly took the opportunity to criticize MPs from the region who have publicly opposed his administration, urging them to align with the government’s development agenda, especially given their inclusion in a broad-based coalition.

In a tweet on X, Orengo who has been a thorn in flesh of the broad-based government spearheaded by Ruto and Raila said: “We explored partnership opportunities aimed at strengthening collaboration between the National and County Governments to foster inclusive development and enhance service delivery for the people of Siaya.”

The ODM stalwart who sat next to Ruto on his left, could be seen laughing and cracking jokes with the Head of State during the meeting that brought together tens of leaders and businessmen from Siaya including Senator Oburu Oginga and Budget and Appropriations Committee chairman Samuel Atandi.

Consolidate Nyanza

The meeting came a time Ruto has been working to consolidate his support in Nyanza and penetrate the region regarded as Raila’s backyard amid reports that the two top leaders could working on an alliance to face the opposition in the 2027 ballot.

 The meeting came at a time when Orengo has maintained a cautious distance from the evolving alliance between the Kenya Kwanza administration and segments of ODM. The emerging collaboration, dubbed the broad-based government (BBG), its proponents say aims to promote equitable development, national cohesion, and inclusive governance across the country.

Ruto said the meeting was meant to appraise the leaders of the government’s projects in the region.

 “We will invest Sh1 billion to develop the Usenge Pier and the attendant port infrastructure to stimulate the blue economy in the region,” said in a statement on X.

The State will further build 16 markets in the border county at a cost of Sh2.5 billion and allocate Sh1.6 billion in the connection of more than 16,000 households to power to drive entrepreneurship.

 Orengo stated that Ruto led the discussion with the Siaya County delegation to discuss the ongoing and upcoming National Government projects in the county.

The lawyer cum-politician has remained notably reserved about the BBG arrangement, even as other ODM figures warm up to the partnership. His reluctance has sparked internal tensions within ODM, with party officials such as Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna issuing mixed signals—at times cautioning party members to tread carefully in embracing the government. The hesitation from Orengo and others has not sit well with all party members.