A cleric has asked Luo Nyanza leaders to support and work closely with Cabinet secretary nominee for ICT and communication Eliud Owalo.
Head of Nomiya Church Rev Teddy Ayoma said Owalo deserves the support of everyone from the region.
In a statement to newsrooms, Ayoma said the CS nominee is among the top most government officials in President William Ruto's administration.
Owalo is amongst the 22 Cabinet secretary nominees unveiled by the President recently. He awaits vetting and approval by Parliament before taking office.
“As the Luo nation, Owalo is now our only hope. We are however hopeful that the head of state will continue to remember the region and pick more of our people," the cleric said.
"Lets give Owalo all the support. Lets do all we can so that he can work in peace.”
Ayoma however reminded Owalo that everyone from the region is looking up to him.
If endorsed by Parliament, Owalo will replace Joe Mucheru who served in the outgoing administration of former president Uhuru Kenyatta.
The prelate hailed Ruto for the gesture to pick Owalo, whose father, the deceased Gideon Owalo founded the Nomiya Church.
"We as the family of Nomiya Church feel appreciated and honoured by the President for picking one of our sons to sit in Cabinet. We say a big thank you to him," he said.
Ayoma however appealed to Ruto to consider appointing more people from the region.
"We know he will not neglect us because he has started on a good note. We ask him to honour his pledges and extend his development agenda to the rest of Nyanza," he said.
The church leader further asked Owalo to use his position to serve the country diligently.
"We want to ask him to ensure he pushes for development initiatives in Nyanza, even as he serves the rest of the country," he said.
Ruto's first visit to Nyanza region upon ascending to the high office was in Homa Bay county where he attended a church service and later held a fundraiser at the AIC.
He listed a number of key projects, particularly on road infrastructure, which he said his government will complete.
The President also said he will ensure the dilapidated sewer system in Homa Bay town is rehabilitated.
Owalo, a veteran management consultant, is now the senior most pointman to the President in Nyanza.
Another key figure in the new administration is Dr Raymond Omolo who is the Lake Basin Development Authority managing director.
He hails from Homa Bay and was amongst the leaders from the region who addressed the public during the recent visit by the President.
Also, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, former CAS Ken Obura, former Rongo MP Dalmas Otieno and former MP Martin Ogindo represented the Ruto camp.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)
