By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
Kenya, 17 September 2026 - President William Ruto on Thursday wound up his tour of the Nyanza region with an inspection of markets in Homa Bay County.
The head of state thanked residents for their support and told off opposition leaders for lacking an agenda in their calls for him to be a “one-term” president.
During the tour, the President and other leaders urged the public to maintain peace and focus on nation-building.
Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo thanked the President for opening up many places in Nyanza and developing several parts of the country irrespective of ethnic or political affiliations.
Dr Omollo urged the youth to stay focused and avoid being swayed by political leaders keen to advance their selfish interests.
“I urge the youths across the country not to be swayed by political leaders to cause mayhem and destruction. If there is any leader you don’t like, don’t attend their rallies,” Dr Omollo said.
He added that President Ruto had shown trust in the youth and that they should not disappoint him.
“We are going to get IDs and here in Homa Bay we shall vote for President William Ruto 100%,” he said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi stated that Nyanza residents are very grateful to President Ruto and love him because he is development-oriented.
The inspection of the Kendu Bay ESP Market, Misambi Modern Market in Kabondo-Kasipul Constituency, and Kijebi Market in Suba South in Homa Bay County, marked the final leg of President Ruto’s Nyanza visit, during which he sought to affirm his grip on the electorate as the 10 August 2027 General Election draws near.
He also launched several road projects and other infrastructure initiatives to spur economic growth.
President Ruto told Governor Gladys Wanga that he would boost women starting businesses at the Kendu Bay ESP Market with KSh 3 million as seed capital.
He also promised to help establish silos for cereals and ginneries to spur cotton farming.
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ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, who is also the Kisii Governor, delivered greetings from party leader Oburu Oginga, who is still in the UK for a medical check-up.
“We joined the broad-based government through the window and found that it is good. Now we want that, come the next General Election, we share power 50-50 with President Ruto,” Arati said.
Mawego Training College received KSh 300 million for hostel construction. President Ruto also stated that Tom Mboya University would be upgraded to spur education.
President Ruto promised that the working relationship between ODM and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) would continue so that together they can transform Kenya.
He emphasised that he would uphold the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s legacy.
Other leaders who accompanied the head of state included Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (popularly known as Jalang’o), and Homa Bay Woman Representative Dr Joyce Atieno Bensuda, among others.
The Nyanza visit comes a month before the first anniversary of Raila Odinga's death, which occurred on 15 October 2025.
The President promised that the Raila Odinga mausoleum and the renovation of Kang’o ka Jaramogi in Siaya would be completed and handed over to the Odinga family by 14 October 2026.
Ruto also floated the idea of renaming Kisumu International Airport to Raila Odinga Airport.
He visited Kisumu, Siaya, Migori, and Homa Bay.
President Ruto Winds Up Nyanza Tour With Calls for Peaceful Political Mobilisation
Ruto ends Nyanza tour by inspecting markets in Homa Bay County.
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