Raila No-Show as Ruto Surges in Nyanza
Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, did not attend the highly anticipated tour of Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties as announced by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party stalwarts.
Raila’s tour of the two Nyanza Counties was intended to be a display of force that would have put him at odds with President William Ruto, who was also in the region on the same afternoon.
However, the former prime minister let down tens of thousands of his supporters who had congregated in Kisumu County to hear him speak in response to ongoing anti-government demonstrations.
Raila chose to abstain from the rally officiated over by the governor of Kisumu County, Anyang Nyong’o, likely as a sign of deference.
“Thank you, Kisumu, for your support of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, and best wishes to our party leader, the Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga. “I am confident that our party will continue to thrive,” said Nyong’o to the audience.
Political figures from the region of Nyanza addressed the large gathering, urging their supporters to listen to their party leader, Raila Odinga.
Noting that the economy had become intolerable, the leaders urged their supporters to protest President William Ruto’s administration in large numbers the following week.
Previous announcements indicated that Raila would also meet with Homa Bay County supporters and leaders to solidify his base.
President Ruto attended a thanksgiving ceremony for Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo less than 70 kilometers away. The celebration took place at the Oriwo Boys High School in Kanyipir, Karachuonyo Constituency.
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Ruto was the most prominent guest at the ceremony, which was also witnessed by Vice President Rigathi Gachagua and several Cabinet Secretaries.
Ruto congratulated Omollo on his appointment as PS and wished him well in his new position during his speech. In addition, he emphasized the significance of unity and cooperation in Kenya and urged the citizens of Homa Bay to support the government’s development agenda.
The Thanksgiving ceremony was a significant political event in Homa Bay, and it was interpreted as Ruto’s attempt to counter Raila’s anti-government demonstrations by bringing political conflict to his doorstep.
During his visit, Ruto inaugurated a digital technology laboratory that will be utilized by both Oriwo Boys’ High School students and local youth.
Students and graduates will have access to Information Communication and Technology (ICT) education thanks to Jitume Digital Skills Laboratory’s strategic location within the village and its cutting-edge technological applications.
At Oriwo Boys’ High School, President Ruto stated, “The facility that we have just opened will be utilized by young people in this region to help them acquire necessary skills and access online job markets.”
Ruto urged young people to take advantage of the digital skill programs launched by the Kenya Kwanza administration to turn their lives around, noting that job opportunities are available everywhere, including on the internet.
Raila No-Show as Ruto Surges in Nyanza
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