Ruto’s Nyanza Outreach Builds Bridges as Region Warms Up to His Leadership

Kenya, 25 October 2025 - Three years ago, very few people would have imagined President William Ruto receiving applause in Nyanza.

The region, long considered Raila Odinga’s stronghold, voted overwhelmingly against him in 2022.

But politics moves fast — and today, the mood in Nyanza is changing.

From fiery campaign rival to an unlikely ally, President Ruto has made bold steps to rewrite his story in a region that once viewed him with suspicion.

Through a mix of outreach, political inclusion, and carefully calibrated symbolism, the President has managed to turn hostility into cautious friendship — and, in some quarters, genuine admiration.

At the heart of this new relationship is Dr Ruto’s deliberate effort to bridge old divides.

Since taking office, he has made frequent visits to the region, pledged development projects, and appointed top Nyanza leaders to key government positions.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Energy boss Opiyo Wandayi now sit at the centre of his administration — a clear sign that the Luo community is no longer on the political periphery.

They have joined Ruto's loyalist like Interior CS Raymond Omollo and other PSs from Nyanza Dr Ouma Oluga, Caroline Agengo and Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President Eliud Owalo among others to work for and support the ruling administration to deliver.

For many in Nyanza, these appointments are not just political gestures; they are proof that Ruto’s government is serious about inclusion, ethnic bias trashed.

“This time we feel seen,” a Kisumu resident told Dawan Africa News.

“We’re part of the government, not outside it.”

The turning point came earlier this year during the state funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Dr Ruto’s decision to award [Raila] Odinga the nation’s highest honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), struck a deep emotional chord.

It was a moment of reconciliation — an act that symbolised respect for a man who had defined the region’s politics for decades.

For many Luo leaders and citizens alike, it felt like the healing of a long-standing national rift.

In political circles, talk of a possible ODM–UDA merger ahead of the 2027 election is gaining momentum.

Dr Ruto has openly hinted at the idea of working with ODM in forming the next government, saying his administration is ready to build a “broad-based” coalition for national unity.

The response from ODM leaders has been striking.

Many, including Gladys Wanga, Abdulswamad Nassir, Wandayi, and even Raila’s elder brother Oburu Oginga, have spoken warmly of the President’s outreach.

The language of defiance that once characterised Nyanza politics has been replaced by a tone of cooperation.

The message now seems clear: the region wants to be part of the government, not in constant opposition to it.

Still, analysts say this new warmth should be read with caution. Elite political deals do not always translate into grassroots loyalty.

The Luo community’s political identity has been shaped by decades of opposition politics and loyalty to Raila Odinga. Changing that will take time — and real development results.

But even so, the change in tone is unmistakable. Dr Ruto’s regular visits, increased government presence, and public engagement in Nyanza have helped soften old perceptions.

Projects in infrastructure, energy, and education are beginning to bear fruit, giving residents reasons to pay attention.

What’s clear is that President Ruto’s charm offensive in Nyanza is part of a larger political strategy — one that aims to unify regions and blur Kenya’s traditional political boundaries.

In reaching out to a community that once rejected him, he is not only expanding his political base but also reshaping the national conversation around inclusion and unity.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Dr Ruto seems determined to prove that no region is permanently in opposition. Whether the embrace from Nyanza will translate into votes remains to be seen.

But for now, one thing is certain — the President who once faced rejection in the region is now being heard, welcomed, and, in many quarters, celebrated.

From foe to friend, Dr Ruto’s Nyanza journey is fast becoming one of Kenya’s most intriguing political turnarounds.

Having hinted at ODM and UDA merger, the community's arm is open.

They are waiting for the unity in diversity to triumph for the common good, all ego and tribal or ethnic prejudice trashed.