Today is President William Ruto’s first trip to the Nyanza area since becoming the country’s chief executive, and he is in Homa Bay County.
Dr. Ruto will meet locals after attending a prayer session at the African Inland Church (AIC) in Homa Bay.
A group of regional leaders, including the president, ICT CS nominee Eliud Owalo, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, Ugenya MP David Ochieng, ex-Gov. of Migori Okoth Obado, ex-Gov. of Kisumu Jack Ranguma, and ex-Sen. of Kisumu Fred Outa, arrived at the church just before 10 a.m.
Gladys Wanga, the governor of Homa Bay County, is not traveling with the President, however, as she is on business.
“I wish to extend a warm welcome to the President on behalf of the great people of Homa Bay and request him to feel at home. I’m however out of the county on official duty and will therefore be unable to join HE for the church service and have communicated the same to His Excellency,” she said.
Dr. Ruto’s visit comes as people in Homa Bay County and the Nyanza area are still processing Raila Odinga’s loss to the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition candidate in the presidential election on August 9.
The region heavily supported Mr. Odinga and Ms. Martha Karua, who was his running mate.
Political analysts think the President’s visit to Homa Bay is intended to pave the way for future trips throughout the Nyanza region.
Based on prior history, Devolution Defenders Forum Executive Director Michael Kojo asserted that Homa Bay will serve as the President’s “soft landing.”
When running for president, Dr. Ruto and other candidates, like Jimi Wanjigi, encountered violence in areas of the Nyanza region where their convoys were.
Because of how the people of Homa Bay have accepted politicians who are not affiliated with the political parties of their choosing, Mr. Kojo claimed that the President is utilizing the county as his entrance point into Nyanza.
He ought to have traveled to Kisumu to attend the festival’s conclusion, but instead he sent his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. Due to previous positive experiences, he made the decision to make his first trip to Homa Bay, he insisted.
