Ruto steps up bid to secure Raila's backyard as their union blossoms

President William Ruto yesterday gave his strongest indication yet of strengthening his political union with opposition leader Raila Odinga, with significant implications for the country’s political landscape, as he wooed Nyanza with a package of goodies.

For a man who has faced a series of political challenges in recent months, Ruto appears to have found both comfort and support in Raila’s camp, showering him with praise for helping steady his political ship.

Addressing two rallies in Kisumu yesterday, the President painted an optimistic picture of an economy on the rise and urged Nyanza to back his administration.

But beneath the surface of his speech were political undertones, including subtle barbs aimed at his former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. Raila’s allies, who accompanied Ruto, also expressed their backing for his leadership.

“In the past, I helped Agwambo, and this time around, he has returned the favour. Is there any problem? Should we continue or not?” an upbeat President asked.

Jubilant residents cheered him on, chanting ‘kumi’ (10) to show their support for a second term for the Kenya Kwanza leader. The President nodded with a smile and pledged to focus on development projects and national unity first.

He reaffirmed his full support for Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, adding that Raila is currently campaigning across Africa to secure votes.

Ruto then emphasised the need for unity, stating that his mission was to ensure the country remains united.

While not directly naming Gachagua, Ruto appeared to launch an attack on him, stating that his government would have no association with those who seek to sow division among Kenyans or stir up tribalism.

“Those who are only interested in dividing Kenyans along tribal lines and spreading hatred should go home. My government has no business with those who worship tribalism, hatred, and division. I assure you, under the love of God, we will unite this country into one,” he said.

He vowed to ensure that no region is sidelined in the country’s development.

“Together with Raila, we agreed to build one government that will unite Kenya. We decided to avoid tribalism, disunity, and hatred among communities and people,” he added.

His speech also underscored the reasons behind Gachagua’s political struggles, as Ruto claimed that they had both decided to send home those who wanted to take the country backward.

Although he did not mention him by name, his choice of words depicted the fate that encountered one of Kenya’s shortest-serving deputy presidents, who was accused of pushing hate and division.

“We agreed that all the corrupt people, including those who promote tribalism, will go home,” noted the President.

At the height of Gachagua’s impeachment, Ruto’s allies accused him of perpetuating tribalism through his political rhetoric of political shares and exclusion in government.

In his speech, the President pledged to continue with development projects that will unlock the region’s economic potential.

He announced that his government will allocate Sh800 million in January to support fisheries development in counties bordering Lake Victoria. Similarly, in Kisumu, he said his administration is constructing 2,400 affordable housing units but is keen to build a total of 10,000 units.

The President also said his administration had dedicated Sh1 billion for the construction of a fisheries and research centre in Kabonyo Kanyagwal.

He also noted that his administration was pursuing a universal healthcare scheme that would allow all Kenyans to access treatment in health facilities to cater for everyone, including those who are unable to pay.

“Under the new universal healthcare scheme, all citizens will have access to healthcare. For those who cannot afford it, the government will cover the costs,” he claimed.

Leaders who accompanied Ruto praised his leadership and expressed their full support for his administration, vowing to defend it.

ODM party chairperson Gladys Wanga, in particular, assured the President of their backing, saying: “We are with you. Let no one scare you.”

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi added that the President had welcomed them into his government and that they were already reaping the benefits of this union.

Earlier, the President had presided over the launch of the Fourth African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AFSNET) Conference 2024, where he announced that he had directed Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to allocate funds for youth employment in Kisumu under the ‘Kazi kwa Vijana’ initiative.

“I am happy to be in Kisumu, and just as I promised to support Raila for the AUC seat, he is campaigning all over Africa for it. For the love of God, he will sit in that seat and be Chair,” he said.

The President also highlighted his government’s commitment to supporting devolution and ensuring the timely release of resources to counties.

“I have agreed with Parliament that they will not go on recess until they pass the Division of Revenue Act and the County Allocation of Revenue Act,” he concluded.

He was reacting to the sentiments by Mbadi, who said the national government would ensure that counties receive funding on time.

The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary announced that the national government does not have any arrears to counties, and noted that they were fully going to support counties.