Ruto is on a three-day development tour of Raila’s Nyanza base,
widely seen as an effort to court the region’s support ahead of the 2027
general elections.
On May 4, Ruto began his tour in Suna West Constituency, where he attended an interdenominational prayer service.
He then crossed over to Suna East to launch the construction of a technical training institute and unveil the new Deputy County Commissioner’s office in Piny Oyie.
Later in the day, he visited Kuria West for the launch of the Kehancha Affordable Housing Project in Kehancha Town.
On May 5, President Ruto is scheduled to inspect and launch several development projects, starting in Rongo Constituency, where he will inspect the Kosir ESP market.
He will then head to Awendo to launch the construction of
the Awendo Animal Health Training Institute.
In Uriri, he will present a school bus to St. Pius Uriri High School. Later, he will travel to Nyatike to launch the construction of the Muhuru Bay pier and commission the construction of the Muhuru-Masara Road.
Ruto is seen to be keen on leveraging his good relations with Raila to inherit his traditional bases to steady his re-election bid.
Meanwhile, political leaders from across the divide have condemned the incident in which a shoe was hurled at President Ruto during his visit to Kuria on May 4, 2025.
Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi warned of the potentially serious consequences of such actions, urging respect for the presidency despite political differences.
"We may have political differences and a hostile
attitude toward the government, but throwing a shoe at President Ruto was irresponsible. What if the attacker had a real weapon, like a pistol? Ruto
could have been taken out," he cautioned during a Citizen TV talk show.
National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech expressed deep concern, calling the incident a dangerous escalation.
"We’ve taken a joke too far and must protect the Head
of State. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has even warned Ruto not to revisit the Mt. Kenya region," Koech said on Citizen TV.
Senator Richard Onyonka strongly condemned the attack, stating plainly, “For me, there is no justification for this whatsoever.”
