Ruto, Raila in show of unity on Nyanza tour
By Kepher Otieno, May 30, 2025President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga yesterday showcased their political unity in Nyanza, with the Head of State expressing confidence about defeating the opposition in the 2027 General Election.
The Kenya Kwanza leader declared his certainty of winning the upcoming polls by a landslide, dismissing his critics during a visit to Kisumu City.
Speaking at the event, Ruto stated that the opposition lacked any meaningful agenda for Kenyans beyond malice and divisive rhetoric.
“These are people who have no vision, no plan, and no agenda. We will show them dust; they won’t believe,” said Ruto, who was flanked by Raila and his political allies in a display of unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
Housing project
He added: “All they know is slogans: ‘Ruto must go’, ‘Kasongo’, ‘Wantam…’ And I want to tell you we are going to move this country forward.”
The President reiterated his commitment to uniting Kenya and working closely with Odinga for national cohesion and development.
During the commissioning of affordable housing units in Otonglo, President Ruto dismissed critics who have accused his administration of promoting ethnic-based politics.
“I will not allow selfish politicians to divide this country along ethnic lines for their own greed,” Ruto declared. “Our primary vision is to unite all the people of Kenya. That journey is on, and there is no turning back.”
The President stressed his commitment to all Kenyans, stating that his ultimate goal is achieving national unity without ethnic divisions or political hatred. He urged residents not to give room to critics and praised the broad-based government as beneficial for all Kenyans.
Infrastructure announcements
In a significant infrastructure development, President Ruto revealed plans to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Nakuru to Kisumu and onward to Malava.
The government is prioritising improvements to both rail and road networks to enhance local transportation and facilitate access to regional markets.
During the event, Ruto launched a major affordable housing project on five acres in Otonglo, land donated by Raila. The site, previously part of the Kisumu molasses plant, was given to the government to address Kisumu’s growing housing demand.
The President announced a Sh3.5 billion government investment in constructing housing units expected to accommodate up to 750,000 residents. He noted that Kisumu and its environs have experienced exponential population growth, fuelling rising demand for affordable housing.
Raila, through investors LV Marina, also plans to develop additional housing units on the same site for Sh4 billion.
“The donation of this land is aimed at easing the housing crisis in Kisumu,” Raila said, expressing support for initiatives serving the public interest.
Ruto also disclosed plans to boost the blue economy by constructing a new port in Kisumu. Raila supported this initiative, saying the new port would stimulate economic growth and create more wealth and employment opportunities.
The ODM leader encouraged Nyanza residents to support the State’s development agenda to spur national growth. “Let’s be calm and resilient. Good is loading,” Raila said.
Political context
The President began his development tour in Odinga’s political stronghold yesterday. Ruto, who will lead Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay on Sunday, is also set to unveil projects in that county.
Originally, the President was scheduled to visit Migori on Thursday before proceeding to Homa Bay and Kisumu. However, the Migori trip was cancelled due to political disagreements between Governor Ochillo Ayacko and other local leaders. Power struggles between Ayacko and other elected officials ultimately led to the tour’s cancellation in that county.
Blue economy conference
The event was attended by Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Opiyo Wandayi, and Hassan Joho, Interior PS Dr Raymond Omollo, Housing PS Charles Hinga, MPs from Kisumu and Siaya including Gideon Ochanda, Joshua Oron, Rosa Buyu, and Shakeel Shabbir, as well as Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o and others.
In Homa Bay, Ruto is expected to launch Gor Mahia Ring Road in the Nagina area of Homa Bay Town constituency, whose MP Opondo Kaluma has been a vocal supporter of the President’s broad-based government.
According to an itinerary shared by the State House, the President will also close the blue economy conference, open the town’s fish market and pier, and visit an affordable housing project.