Leaders pledge loyalty as Ruto assures Nyanza of justice in Were murder

Nyanza leaders moved swiftly on Sunday to contain rising political tensions following signs of discontent among some of Raila Odinga’s allies over his deal with President William Ruto. 

During a church service marking the start of Ruto’s three-day tour of the region, key figures from the opposition stronghold publicly reaffirmed their loyalty to the President.

They dismissed murmurs of dissent and vowed to stand firmly behind the bipartisan arrangement, coming close to endorsing Ruto’s second term bid.

The leaders, including Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko, and several MPs led by Suna East’s Junet Mohamed, affirmed their loyalty to the head of state, vowing to stand with him until the end. 

The leaders dismissed growing dissent among some opposition figures, insisting that their support for Ruto remains steadfast.

There has been growing unease within ODM ranks, the tension further heightened by the recent assassination of Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were. Nyanza is crucial for Ruto's reelection calculus, judging by the attention he is paying to the region.

While Siaya Governor James Orengo has been on a rallying call for the region to rethink its dalliance with Ruto, his Homa Bay counterpart Gladys Wanga held at the weekend that Were's brutal murder was a worrying sign.

But the Raila allies insisted the broad-based government would endure beyond the 2027 elections, terming it an answer to Nyanza’s desperate development needs.

Treasury CS Mbadi emphasised the bipartisan government’s economic agenda, dismissing critics.

“When you formed the broad-based government, I didn’t bring my name, but you two picked me. We are on course to bring the economy back,” Mbadi said.

He said Ruto’s administration would make one of the best budgets—realistic, efficient, and equitable - this year, thanks to the deal with Raila.

“As we fund roads in Daadab and Tana River, we’ll also prioritise Siaya, Kisumu, and Migori, which were neglected for years.”

This was even as Ruto vowed to bring Were’s killers to justice.  “I assure Homa Bay that those involved in the killing of Were will not succeed and will have nowhere to hide. We will go after their collaborators too,” he declared. 

Interior PS Raymond Omollo urged political tolerance, cautioning leaders against reckless statements that could jeopardise investigations into Were’s murder. 

“Let us shun reckless talk that can jeopardise the investigation,” the Principal Secretary said. 

In his address, the President framed his collaboration with Raila as a pact to ensure equitable resource distribution, taking a veiled swipe at critics.

“We agreed that no region should be left behind,” he said, while assuring ODM supporters of their place in his government, recalling his own history as the party’s former deputy leader.

“I assure the people of ODM that this government is theirs just as it is for UDA and others. We will not cross paths but will work together,” he said. 

Ruto pledged accelerated development in the region, outlining key infrastructure and social projects. 

He outlined a slate of development projects for the region, including Sh700 million disbursed to road contractors, Sh2 billion allocated for 15 road completions, and Sh1.9 billion earmarked to connect 18,000 households to electricity within a year.

Additional pledges covered a new pier at Muhuru Bay, a fish landing site, a Sh700 million stadium, and market upgrades worth nearly Sh900 million.

Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to continue working with Raila despite the grumbles, saying, “There are people who don’t want a fair split of state resources.” 

Migori Governor Ochillo Ayacko defended the broad-based government, praising Ruto and Raila as “political genius”. 

“I want to apologise on behalf of those faulting the broad-based government. I will remind them there is God of a second chance,” Ayacko said. 

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, the National Assembly Minority Leader, reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the bipartisan deal. 

He dismissed opposition figures, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, as inconsequential. 

“We are firm on what we have agreed upon and firm in supporting the broad-based government,” Junet said. 

The Minority leader, while referencing the handshake between Ruto and Raila, warned against a return to political hostilities. 

“We don’t want to go back to the days of bloodshed. We have moved forward. We will support you (President).”

Energy CS Wandayi echoed the sentiment, hailing Ruto’s inclusive approach and bluntly saying, “For the naysayers who think we can go back, they are daydreaming. We are in this for the long haul.” 

Raila’s brother, Oburu, took a sharper tone, chastising Siaya Governor James Orengo for opposing the deal and making calls for protests.

“What rights are we fighting for beyond roads, water, and hospitals?” he asked.  

Former Migori Governor Okoth Obado, once a lone Ruto supporter in the region, welcomed the bipartisan arrangement. 

Several MPs pledged long-term support for Ruto, with Uriri’s Mark Nyamita declaring, “We are with you until 2032. We won’t look sideways.” 

Awendo MP Walter Owino added, “We assure you that if you walk with us, we will walk with you today and even in the future (2027).” 

Rongo MP Paul Abuor went further, saying, “Pray for the broad-based government to go until 2027, and we get a second chance to support you until 2032.” 

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo projected Ruto’s presidency extending beyond 2027. 

“When I look at your Cabinet and see Mbadi and Wandayi, we believe God is a God of a second chance. You are President until 2032,” Odhiambo said.