Leaders’ unity pledge as Ruto begins Raila backyard tour

But on Wednesday, President Ruto hosted several leaders from the county at State House, Nairobi, where they vowed to bury their political differences for the sake of development in the county.

“I am pleased with the progress of our transformation agenda in Migori County. The construction of fresh produce markets, affordable housing projects, technical training colleges and roads are at different stages of completion. Once completed, these projects will transform the lives of farmers, students and the residents of Migori in general. Met leaders from Migori County, led by Governor Ochillo Ayacko, who appraised me on the status of the projects, and discussed what else we must do together,” President Ruto said.

The Head of State is expected to begin his tour in National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed’s constituency in Suna East, where he will attend an Interdenominational Prayer Service, Tent at Kadika Primary School.

The President will then head to Peter Masara’s Suna West to launch construction of a Technical Training Institute (TTI) before unveiling of Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC’s) Office, at Piny Oyie in the afternoon.

Thereafter President Ruto will preside over the launch of Kehancha Affordable Housing Project in Kehancha Town in Kuria West.

On Monday May 5, the President will visit Rongo for an inspection tour of Kosir ESP market and unveiling of building at Rongo Comprehensive School, Kosir and Rongo Town.

While in Awendo, President Ruto will launch the construction of Awendo Animal Health Training Institute, Alara Nyambija in North Sakwa, and head to Uriri for the inspection of ESP Market and issuance of school bus to St. Pius Uriri High School, Oria Market in North Kanyamkago.

He will later head to Nyatike to launch construction of Muhuru Bay Pier, inspection of Muhuru modern market and unveiling of contractor for Muhuru-Masara Road.

President Ruto is expected to conclude his tour on Tuesday with a tour of Kuria East where he will inspect Ntimaru ESP Market and Affordable Housing Project and preside over the issuance of a school bus to Gokeharaka Secondary School in Ntimaru Town.

Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and Mr Nyamita, who have been the two protagonists in Migori politics, have since agreed to embrace the Head of State for the sake of development.

Read: Orengo defies Raila

“We have the privilege to host the president. We met the President at State House and he agreed to tour Migori and so I ask my fellow leaders, let us not display our differences. Let the day be for the peoples’ to enhance development,” Mr Ayacko said.

Mr Nyamita said it was a blessing for the people of Migori that the Head of State was visiting the region for the fourth time.

“This week we are quite excited as Migori County because the President is coming to Migori for the fourth time and the visits have continued to bear fruits,” he told a presser in Nairobi on Friday.

The newly found friendship between President Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga under the broad based government is turning out to be a blessing for the Nyanza region.

Once largely marginalized by successive governments when it comes to development, Luo Nyanza has been reaping big from big infrastructural projects and frequent visits by the Head of State.

However, while Homa Bay, Kisumu and Siaya seem to be the biggest beneficiaries, Migori has been viewed as lagging behind in development, both at the county and national governments level.

Read: Evicted residents cry foul as Ruto’s Homa Bay State Lodge takes shape

While he has made some visits to the county, its neighboring county Homa Bay has hosted him more and at the same time attracted mega projects which include Homa Bay Pier, modern fish market, affordable housing, modern market, upgrade of the Raila Odinga stadium and the Rusinga Ring Road.

When the Jaramogi Oginga Stadium in Siaya was officially opened by Uganda President Yoweri Museveni and Dr Ruto, Migori was the subject of ridicule.

People posted photos of the Siaya Stadium, Kisumu’s Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium and Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay against the dilapidated one in Migori.

The conversation quickly turned into how Migori has been lagging behind in development and that the President has been visiting other Luo Nyanza counties more than the devolved unit.

When the President appointed Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries from the opposition side, the debate continued with many claiming the region had been sidelined in appointments.

Interviews with leaders, opinion shapers and locals point to a number of issues that has made Migori lag behind even as the other counties take the lead role in development. 

[email protected]; [email protected]