Several former ODM governors and MPs in Nyanza have started shifting their allegiance to President William Ruto in a new political realignment and dispensation in the region.

The former leaders have consequently vowed to work closely with the Kenya Kwanza leadership to market the President in their electoral turfs.

Although they have been facing political resistance and stiff opposition, the former county chiefs and legislators have vowed to soldier on with their mission, saying doing so would be the tipping point.

The leaders are former governors Jack Ranguma (Kisumu), Okoth Obado (Migori), Evans Kidero (Nairobi), and former Siaya governor aspirant Nicholas Gumbo.

Some current MPs such as David Ochieng (Ugenya) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South) are also working closely with the Kenya Kwanza administration. This could shift the political balance of Nyanza.

Former MPs include Fred Outa (Kisumu Senator), Rose Nyamunga (Kisumu Woman Rep) and nominated MP Edick Anyanga, (Nyatike), and Augustine Neto, (Ndhiwa).

Others are former MPs Silvance Osele (Kasipul-Kabondo), Martin Ogindo (Rangwe), Ochieng Daima (Nyakach), Jared Opiyo (Awendo) and former Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) chairman Odoyo Owidi.

Omondi has been publicly rooting for change of loyalty to President Ruto, claiming that ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has always swayed the region, was losing national acclaim.

“We want our people to work with the ruling elites,’’ Omondi said. He has for long maintained a steady support for Ruto, a move  that  almost cost him his seat.

For the former MPs drawn from Nyanza, who lost bids to reclaim the seats, they are now seeking a platform to seek new opportunities in Ruto’s administration.

They have been working closely with ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo in distribution of relief food in Nyanza.

So defiant is the group that it has declared no turning back, saying it has made bold decisions to switch political allegiance in a bid to remain actively involved in the new political dispensation.

The group, however, insists that their political move is not meant to antagonize the Luo community but to help chart a new political destiny for the common good of all local residents.

Outa dismissed reports that Nyanza leaders leaning towards President Ruto are out to bad mouth the former Prime Minister, as has been alleged in some circles.

‘’Raila is a respected leader in this country and there is no leader with a sound mind who can throw insults at him without having substantive issues. He stands to be rebuked, but in the right manner,’’ Outa says.

Raila support

He went on to state: “I want to tell you that there is no leader in Nyanza region who can insult Raila aimlessly, so don’t listen to that propaganda being peddled by people who are not happy with our move.”

Outa said their main goal is to work with the government of the day to ensure the community is  part of the national government and does not miss out on the national cake.

“Already we have seen a commitment by the government to develop this region. Just the other day, President Ruto convinced the UK government to approve over Sh30 billion for climate change and smart agriculture funds for Kisumu county,” he said.

Outa said the President has also commissioned a Sh2.5 billion Kabonyo fisheries project in Kisumu and a multi-billion low-cost housing project in Homa Bay County within the first 100 days of his administration.

“All this shows he means well for Nyanza and what he needs is our unwavering support, which we assure him is steadfast,’’ said Outa.

 President Ruto, in his New Year message, vowed to work with all Kenyans, regardless of their political affiliation, saying that no one would be victimized for belonging to the opposing side.

Ranguma and Obado urged the people of Nyanza to either join them to work with Ruto, or remain where they are at will and continue languishing in poverty.

“In politics, there is no permanent enmity but only interests. We want to reconcile with one another and stay focused for the greater good, in the government,’’ Ranguma claimed.

Obado said they have been impressed by Ruto’s work and leadership philosophies, while Ogindo advised the Luo community to review its political stand and work with the government to develop the region.

Ogindo said the community has for long been perceived as being in the opposition, a matter which has left the region lagging behind in terms of development.

“As a people, a time has come to review our political strategy; a time has come to re-brand  ourselves,” said Ogindo.

“We are used to the opposition, a post which doesn’t exist in our Constitution, and it is high time we re-think our position on the government and start working closely with President Ruto,” he said.

President Ruto has promised a lot of goodies for region.