Luo Nyanza Leaders Defy Raila Threats, Meet Ruto At State House [PHOTOS]
They also pledged to join President Ruto's political party United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
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President William Ruto on Monday, March 13 met more than 30 Luo Nyanza leaders from the region at State House, despite threats by Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga to treat defectors as outsiders.
The leaders were accompanied by former governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Okoth Obado (Migori) and Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) who led the contingent to the highest house in the land.
They declared that they would work with the Kenya Kwanza government to deliver development projects to the people of Nyanza, declaring that the time was ripe for Nyanza to embrace the government in power.
President William Ruto with DP Rigathi Gachagua and Luo Nyanza leaders at State House on March 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO
"We will work with all leaders from across the political divide to transform our economy and uplift millions of Kenyans, especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. We believe this leadership model is the right approach for a stronger and more prosperous nation.
"At State House, in the company of Deputy President Hon. Rigathi Gachagua, met Nyanza leadership led by former Governors Evans Kidero (Nairobi), Jack Ranguma (Kisumu) and Okoth Obado (Migori) who have agreed to work with Kenya Kwanza," Ruto stated in part.
Also present were former MPs Rose Nyamunga (Kisumu), Fred Outa (Nyando), Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), Martin Ogindo (Rangwe), John Pesa (Migori), Omondi Anyanga (Nyatike), former Police Spokesman Charles Owino, among others.
They said they would mobilise the region to embrace the government, with Kidero declaring that the people of Nyanza have resolved to work with the government and won't allow themselves to be isolated from the rest of Kenyans.
They also pledged to join President Ruto's political party United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Former Nyatike MP Anyanga said: "As we speak here, we have already joined UDA with our supporters at the grassroots."
President Ruto further noted that it was now the opportunity to change the politics of Nyanza to that of development, reminding the leaders that they have the opportunity to change the destiny of the people of Luo Nyanza.
"We now have the opportunity to do the right thing for the people of Nyanza. It's now your opportunity to change the politics of Nyanza to that of development, " he said, further assuring them of government support in development.
President William Ruto with Luo Nyanza leaders at State House on March 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO
President Ruto noted that his administration will not discriminate against any region based on how they voted in the last General Election adding that the time for tribal politics was over and it was an opportunity for Kenyans to unite and forge ahead.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on his part expressed his sadness that some leaders want to deny Kenyans the opportunity to serve the country because of different political ideologies.
"You need to create your space and liberate your community from bad leadership, " said Gachagua.
The leaders were accompanied by ICT CS Eliud Owalo and Interior PS Ramond Omollo.
If the 2023 meetings between President Ruto and several lawmakers allied to the Azimio la Umoja coalition upset Raila in his push against the Kenya Kwanza government, it is this meeting that is expected to hit him where it really hurts as the Nyanza leaders have close ties to his favourite region in the country.
President William Ruto with Luo Nyanza leaders at State House on March 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO
Former Police spokesman Charles Owino at State House on March 13, 2023. /WILLIAM RUTO
