Ten years for you, Kisumu residents tell Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

President William Ruto, for the second time in two months received a heroic welcome in Kisumu with some residents suggesting that he will lead the country for 10 years.

The Head of State addressed residents at Kondele and the Kisumu Central Business District (CBD), on his way from the Grand Royal Swiss hotel, where he officially opened the 4th Sub-Sovereign Network (AFSNET) Conference.

“Ruto! Ruto! Ruto!” chanted residents of Kondele before a microphone was passed over to him.

“Amosowu jothurwa. Jothurwa untie? Jothurwa umor? (I salute you. Are you okay, are you happy!)” paused the President.

He went on to highlight plans he has for the people of Kisumu and Kenyans at large, in collaboration with the county government, led by governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.

“We want to ensure that health is not a preserve of the rich. We want even the local person to go to the hospital, receive treatment and the government pays the bill,” he said.

He insisted that the broad-based government formed on the backdrop of the June and July anti-government protests, sought to champion for the country’s unity, adding that leaders propagating tribal politics have no place in modern day Kenya.

At the Kisumu CBD, he stated, “We have no business with people who worship tribe,” he said, seemingly targeting former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

His speech was however cut short with chants of kumi (ten) from the residents.

“Are you saying ten?” he asked. “Yes,” they responded. He challenged residents to tone down so that he delivers on his promises, before campaigns ahead of the 2027 polls set in.

Ahead of the 2022 polls, as Deputy President, Ruto was forced to flee from Kondele after residents pelted his motorcade with stones during one of his campaign rallies.

Residents of Kisumu and other parts of Nyanza havehowever rallied behind him, since he declared that his administration is supporting ODM leader Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship seat.

Elections will be conducted in February, 2025.