By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 4 December 2025 - The latest declaration of support for President William Ruto by a section of Kisumu West women highlights an emerging political recalibration in a region long defined by its unwavering loyalty to the late Raila Odinga.
Luo Nyanza has for decades operated within a political orbit shaped almost entirely by Odinga, whose influence framed not only electoral patterns but also the community’s political identity.
In this context, the open endorsement of Ruto—articulated by women’s leader Elizabeth Ochieng—is significant both symbolically and politically.
“After the death of Baba Raila Odinga, he left us with President Ruto,” Ms Ochieng said, positioning their support not as a break from tradition, but as a continuation of the late leader’s ideals.
At the heart of this emerging alignment is a deliberate appeal to Raila’s legacy of peace, unity, and sacrifice.
The women present their support for the current administration as consistent with the broad-based governance ethos that Raila championed in his final years.
Ms Ochieng emphasised this point, urging Kenyans to preserve what she described as the hard-earned stability forged by the late statesman.
“Kenyans shouldn’t destroy the existing peace that the late Raila created with his own sweat and blood, and by staying behind bars for nine years,” she said, invoking a moral imperative rooted in shared memory and collective struggle.
Such framing aims to soften the cultural and political sensitivity surrounding any shift in loyalties within the region.
Their endorsement is also grounded in tangible development projects attributed to President Ruto’s administration and delivered locally through Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
The women cited housing for widows, education support schemes in Nyanza, and capital for women-led enterprises as evidence of meaningful engagement by the government in the region.
“Dr Ruto should be given ample time to complete these projects, and we wish to back his second term,” they said, linking political support to material benefits.
By highlighting these initiatives, the women articulate a pragmatic argument: that cooperation with the national government is essential for ensuring the region’s development, especially in a post-Raila political era marked by uncertainty and transition.
The repeated emphasis on peace as a developmental precondition reflects longstanding concerns in Nyanza, where electoral cycles have often brought anxiety and unrest.
For the women of Kisumu West, political cooperation is framed as a safeguard against a return to instability.
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They argue that periods of political confrontation have historically hurt everyday families, particularly women, children, and communities already struggling with socioeconomic challenges.
By contrasting the current political climate with past seasons of tension, they present peace not simply as a national necessity but as a local priority with direct implications on livelihoods and safety.
This narrative is crafted to resonate deeply in a region where memories of electoral turmoil remain vivid.
The involvement of PS Omollo adds another dimension to the unfolding political dynamics.
As one of the highest-ranking officials from the region within the current administration, his visible presence in community initiatives provides a bridge between national government and a region often skeptical of state intentions.
The women’s praise of his efforts suggests that his work is being interpreted locally as a sign of renewed inclusion.
If sustained, such initiatives could gradually reshape perceptions of government within parts of Nyanza, though any broad political shift remains uncertain.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, the slogan “William Ruto Kumi Bila Break” underscores the early messaging and mobilisation efforts at the grassroots level.
Whether this reflects a wider trend or remains confined to small pockets of support will depend significantly on the administration’s ability to expand development gains and maintain consistent engagement.
Luo Nyanza’s political identity has deep historical roots, and shifts in allegiance are typically slow, cautious, and heavily influenced by symbolic continuity.
For now, the Kisumu West women’s declaration signals the beginning of a more nuanced conversation about the region’s political future without Raila Odinga at the helm.
Their appeal for unity, peace, and inclusion highlights a pragmatic reassessment of political strategy—one that seeks to secure development while navigating the delicate process of redefining communal identity in a post-Raila era.
A Section of Kisumu Women Supports Ruto’s Second-Term Bid
Women in Kisumu West Declare "Ruto Kumi Bila Break"
