Ruto, Raila rally Nyanza behind broad-based on day one of tour

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga on Thursday made a strong pitch for the broadbased government in their first joint tour of Nyanza since inking deal.

The once fierce rivals billed their new working framework as one which was necessary to heal political divisions, unite Kenyans and steer the country towards long-term stability.

They made several stops in Kisumu, jointly launching projects and addressing residents who had turned up as early as 8 am.

Addressing enthusiastic residents in the lakeside city, the two leaders called for national unity and an end to divisive politics, urging Kenyans to support the new working relationship.

Speaking in Kisumu during the launch of a multi-billion shilling affordable housing project, the two leaders dismissed calls for constant political battles, saying time has come to prioritise service delivery.

 “There are people who want us to continue politicking, but I have told them to give Raila and I space to work for Kenyans,” Ruto said.

“Do you want constant politics or development? Do you want us to bring roads, electricity, better agriculture and jobs for the youth? Do you want Raila and I to unite or not? Do you want us to work together to give Kenya a clear direction?”

The joint appearances come amid speculations on Raila’s commitment to the broad-based government ahead of the 2027 election.

The opposition supremo donated five acres of private land to Ruto’s affordable housing project in what observers described as an endorsement.

“You all know this is Raila Odinga’s stronghold, but with respect and humility, I want to say Raila has given us five acres of land to build affordable housing, so that people here can get decent homes at a fair price,” Ruto said.

The government will invest Sh3.2 billion in construction of 750 low-cost houses, targeting small-scale traders and boda boda riders.

“I must thank him. He has remembered the people of Kisumu by offering this land for a good cause,” Ruto said.

Six hundred units in Makasembo are already complete and ready for handover, while 2,400 of 4,000 additional units are currently under construction.

The government’s goal is to build 15,000 affordable housing units in Kisumu.

The President emphasised the importance of transitioning Kenyans from renters to homeowners.

"We must stop paying rent and start paying mortgages so that our people can own homes,” he said.

Ruto also touched on plans to revive the sugar sector, assuring residents that sugarcane farming would be turned into a profitable venture.

“Those managing sugar factories must pay workers and farmers on time. For the first time, sugarcane farmers will receive bonuses just like tea and coffee farmers,” he said.

The President said the sugarcane sector will no longer be a poverty crop but one that will put money in people’s pockets, grow the economy and stop sugar importation. Raila echoed the President’s sentiments, insisting that development cannot be postponed.

“We have said we want to change the lives of our people. We cannot wait for another government. The current government must deliver now,” the ODM leader said.

“Should I keep going or not?” he asked, receiving resounding approval from the crowd and promising to give direction in the next election.