Busia governor Paul Otuoma has challenged area residents to adopt a strategic approach to their politics, terming it crucial in enhancing the region’s bargaining power nationally.

Speaking during an empowerment forum in Busia on Friday, July 18, 2025, the governor reiterated that proper positioning and participation in important political processes remain key in bringing development to the region.

“Let us not be people who stay behind and wait after things have been decided, and then we go to beg. We are now mature politically, and we need to take an active role and act strategically to be at that table. We must also be among those who decide where the nation is going. We should not just be waiting to see how things are going so that we plan ourselves,” he implored.

While lauding the union between Raila Odinga and President Ruto under the broad-based arrangement, Otuoma also defended Raila’s decision to close ranks with President William Ruto, affirming that the ODM leader elected to put the nation’s interest first.

“You know we did not vote for Ruto, but even Baba put the rivalry aside and said the nation is more important than an individual. You heard others say he loves handshakes. Did they want Baba to leave the country to burn?” He posed.

Disruptive politics

Speaking at the same venue, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki called on the opposition to abandon what he termed “disruptive politics” and prepare for the next general election through constructive engagement.

“Prepare for elections instead of engaging in unproductive rhetoric,” he urged, dismissing slogans like Ruto Must Go as distractions from national development.

His comments come amid growing political tensions, with some opposition leaders accusing the government of scheming to manipulate the electoral process.

Addressing the newly sworn-in Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) team led by Chairperson Erastus Edung Ethekon, Kindiki urged them to hit the ground running. He tasked the commission with overseeing pending by-elections in constituencies like Malava, Mbeere North, and Banissa, while setting the stage for the 2027 polls.

“The IEBC commissioners should now officially begin preparations for the 2027 elections,” Kindiki said, stressing that Kenya Kwanza will not seek electoral favors but expects a fair process.