Treasury and National Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has issued a pointed warning to Homa Bay residents, stating that failure to stand with President William Ruto would risk portraying them as a people unappreciative of the development efforts and resources the Head of State has already directed towards the region.

Speaking in Homa Bay on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Mbadi made it unmistakably clear that the national government, under President Ruto’s leadership, had already committed significant funds to the county and that continued political support was both expected and necessary if that trajectory of development was to be sustained.

“I wish to conclude by stating that President Ruto has authorised the allocation of billions towards roads and infrastructure in Homa Bay County, and therefore, if we — the people of Homa Bay — do not stand with William Ruto, we risk being seen as those who are unappreciative of what he has done for this county. We shall be on the wrong side. Let the work continue — without pause and without distraction,” he said.

Mbadi, who claimed that the country under President Ruto’s leadership is making significant strides across multiple sectors, further vowed that at no point would he abandon the President to support any other political camp, stating that his loyalty to the Head of State remains unwavering.

He reflected candidly on his own political journey, remarking that he had never anticipated, nor even imagined, that he would one day become a Cabinet Secretary, and went on to express profound gratitude to President Ruto for appointing him to the role.

“I want to say that I myself will never ditch Ruto. I never knew or expected that I could become a CS, but he made me, and I am so grateful. We are certain that we shall work hand in hand, as you have said, to ensure that more financial resources continue flowing into Homa Bay,” Mbadi said, before shifting to a more candid and weighty tone as he delivered his final remarks.

Ruto in Nyanza

Mbadi, who was speaking after President Ruto offered him a few minutes to address the crowd that had gathered to witness the launch of the 40-kilometre Marindi-Oria Bridge, is among the senior delegates accompanying the Head of State on his ongoing tour of the Nyanza region.

The President’s first day of the tour was notably marked by a joint appearance with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga

The two leaders started by jointly presiding over the commissioning of Phase One of the LAPFUND Makasembo Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

Raila’s land donation

Speaking on Thursday at Kirembe grounds, where he laid a foundation stone in the multi-billion LV Marina housing units, Ruto revealed that Raila Odinga had donated 5 acres of his family land in the Kirembe area to the national government to put up more housing units.

Ruto lauded Odinga for the gesture, saying the government, through the housing programme, will invest Ksh3.5 billion in the parcel, which will benefit nearly 1,000 locals.

Ruto said the construction of Lumumba affordable housing units is ongoing and targets to benefit 2,000 locals, alleviating housing ownership challenges.

On his part, Odinga affirmed that he will continue to work closely with the current administration to help address challenges Kenyans are facing.

Odinga added that the 5-acre donation will go a long way in addressing the housing needs of locals in the area, adding that the project will feature key amenities such as schools and hospitals.

“Ruto’s affordable housing project is there to help Kenyans get decent housing. That is why I have donated 5 acres of my land in Kisumu so that houses can be built to improve the lives of our people,” he stated.