The meeting is the latest in a series of engagements at the
House on the Hill targeting political leaders from the Luo Nyanza region.
It comes just days after Ruto met Siaya County leaders, led by Governor James Orengo, and pledged development projects worth Sh3 billion.
During the June 6 meeting, the President announced that the government would invest Sh1 billion to develop blue economy infrastructure in Siaya County.
The investment includes Sh600 million for the Usenge Pier and related port facilities, and Sh400 million for a fish market.
He also pledged to construct 16 markets in the county for Sh2.5 billion. Additionally, Sh1.6 billion has been set aside for a last-mile electricity programme to connect 16,000 households.
“We are looking for another Sh500 million to enable us to connect an additional 5,000 households to electricity,” Ruto said at the time.
The June 18 State House meeting is widely seen as part of Ruto’s efforts to pacify the Luo Nyanza region and consolidate political support ahead of the 2027 general election.
Following his fallout with former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, the President appears to have lost favour in the Mt. Kenya region, which had been crucial to his 2022 victory.
This has prompted a shift in focus to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s traditional support bases.
Governor Nyong’o, a senior ODM politician, has previously had a strained relationship with the national government, often criticising it publicly.
On April 2, Nyong’o slammed the government for undermining devolution, accusing it of clinging to functions that should be managed by county governments, particularly in the roads sector.
In a strongly worded statement, Nyong’o said the continued existence of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) undermined the spirit of devolution as envisioned in the 2010 Constitution.
“The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) need not exist if the national government is prepared to fully implement devolution,” Nyong’o said.
However, on June 5, the Kisumu governor appeared to shift
his stance, praising Ruto’s visit to Kisumu as a turning point for the lakeside
city’s development and a demonstration of how political unity can drive
progress.
The high-profile visit ahead of Madaraka Day included the commissioning and groundbreaking of several affordable housing projects and inspections of key infrastructure.
It drew excitement from locals who have long felt neglected by the national government.
Speaking during a post-visit briefing in Kisumu, Governor Nyong’o said the partnership between the county and national governments had inspired renewed hope.
He said the collaboration was based on real, tangible projects aimed at improving people’s lives and advancing a shared vision for Kisumu’s growth.
Among the key projects launched were the Makasembo affordable housing project, the Lake Victoria Marina housing project in Kirembe, and the groundbreaking for Phase Three of the Makasembo project, all part of the national government's agenda to expand access to affordable and dignified shelter.
The county government also recognised former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s donation of five hectares of land in Kirembe to support the housing initiative.
Nyong’o described the gesture as “a profound testament to the former Prime Minister's unwavering commitment to the progress of Kisumu and his enduring belief that every Kenyan deserves access to decent, affordable shelter.”
“It also signals strong support for the national
government's housing agenda,” he added.
