President William Ruto on Tuesday received a rousing reception in Kondele, Kisumu County, as a massive crowd turned up to welcome him to the region.
The President visited the area after officially opening the 4th Africa Sub-Sovereign Network Conference at the Swiss Grand Royal Hotel in Kisumu.
Ruto and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o were greeted by traditional dancers before the conference’s opening, underscoring the celebratory mood in the region.
As his convoy made its way through Kondele, President Ruto was surrounded by an ecstatic crowd, cheering and waving, in what appeared to be a warm embrace of his visit.
This is Ruto’s second heroic reception in Kisumu since forming a broad-based government. On August 28, the city came to a standstill as residents waved white handkerchiefs in a show of unity and support for the President.
During his visit, Ruto expressed surprise and gratitude for the warm reception, contrasting it with the hostile welcome he received in 2021 when his motorcade was stoned during a campaign tour as Deputy President.
“Kisumu people love peace. I am surprised and happy to see that,” the President said during his first visit to the region since appointing three ODM members to his government.
The appointments included John Mbadi (National Treasury), Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Wycliffe Oparanya (MSME Development).
President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to fostering national unity and called on Nyanza residents to support his development agenda.
“We are one people, a family, and I want you to join me in building a united country,” he stated.
Ruto also expressed gratitude to Raila Odinga for supporting his efforts to form a broad-based government, noting that their political reconciliation has contributed to the region’s solidarity with his administration.
Notably, Ruto is backing Odinga for the African Union Chairperson position and is engaging other African leaders to support the bid.
Kisumu, once a politically volatile region for Ruto, has demonstrated growing warmth towards him since the President and Odinga closed ranks to work together for the country’s unity and progress.
