Nyong'o warns UDA leaders against 'reckless utterances' during Ruto's Nyanza tour

Peter Ochieng 

Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Saturday warned United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leaders against what he termed as reckless utterances, during president William Ruto’s ongoing Nyanza tour.

Ruto, on Friday embarked on a 4-day development visit of Nyanza, visiting Kisumu and Siaya Counties.

Residents turned out in large numbers to meet the Head of State.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei remarked that the massive reception is a possible pointer, that he will free Nyanza residents from ODM leader Raila Odinga’s grip.

“H.E Ruto received heroic reception at Luo Nyanza of a development messiah that shall set them free from Odingaism cult that enslaved them for centuries,” said the vocal Senator.

However, Kisumu governor in a hit back said Ruto received warm welcome in Kisumu and Siaya counties only as Head of State, and not as leader of UDA on a campaign trail.

“Let it be noted that Ruto was welcomed as the President of the Republic Kenya, not as UDA leader on a campaign trail. Secondly, it is the culture of the Luo nation to always be hospitable to visitors. President Ruto was no exception,” said the county boss.

“Let me warn UDA leaders like Cherargei that their loose and irresponsible utterances to advance their parochial political interests are not only provocative but also primitive.”

“We in ODM wish to enounce such utterances and ask UDA leaders to stop this political culture, especially at this time when president Ruto is visiting the ODM strongholds,” added the second term governor.

Nyong’o said ODM leader Raila Odinga’s Kenya and Nyanza support base is intact.

“Let it be known that the people of Kenya support Raila Amolo Odinfga as our leader and crusader for the second liberation for this nation, as does the Nyanza region where UDA does not exist.”

President Ruto is in Homabay County today, where he is expected to open a UDA office among other development initiatives.