President William Ruto at the Blue Economy Summit at Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County.
When President William Ruto first set foot in Homa Bay County as Head of State in October 2022, he was met with silence as there was no fanfare and no welcoming delegation, apart from the local administration.
Just two weeks after being sworn in, the president and his entourage had arrived at Kabunde Airstrip en route to a prayer service at the African Inland Church.
Not a single local leader was present to receive him.
While some leaders claimed they had not been invited, others cited short notice or logistical challenges.
A similar 'cold' reception marked the homecoming celebration of Interior Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo in Kanyipir village in July 2023.
President William Ruto (left) with ODM leader Raila Odingaa (right) and Principal Secretary for Interior Raymond Omollo during the Blue Economy Summit in Homa Bay County.
The two events were telling moment that symbolised the deep political divide between Dr Ruto's administration and the Opposition-leaning Nyanza region.
In a county where political allegiance to ODM leader Raila Odinga runs deep, Dr Ruto’s early efforts to build bridges were met with resistance, indifference and political cold shoulders.
Leaders kept their distance, avoiding his events and sidestepping opportunities to engage.
Unexpected alliances
Whenever word spread that the President would tour the region, elected officials vanished from public view, only reemerging once he had returned to Nairobi.
But fast forward to 2025, the the political tide has since begun to turn in the lakeside county.
With persistent political outreach and continued investment in development projects, President Ruto has slowly thawed the frosty political relations with Nyanza, winning over once reluctant leaders and building unexpected alliances in the heart of opposition territory.
President William Ruto during the closing of the blue economy summit at the Tom Mboya University in Homa Bay County.
Dr Ruto has made atleast eight visits to Homa Bay since taking office and launched development projects.
Gradually, local leaders have also began to warm up to his administration, eventually joining him during his tours and lending their support.
On the eve of this year’s Madaraka Day, Dr Ruto held his first official meeting at the newly established Homa Bay State Lodge and called on regional leaders to rally behind his government and help fulfill the promises made during the 2022 campaign.
He noted that establishing the State Lodge in Homa Bay was a deliberate move to ensure residents felt included in national governance. The meeting marked a historic convergence of county leadership.
Governor Gladys Wanga, Senator Moses Kajwang’, and Woman Representative Joyce Osogo were in attendance. Also present were MPs Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town), Millie Odhiambo (Suba North), Adipo Okuome (Karachuonyo), Caroline Omondi (Suba South), Dr Lilian Gogo (Rangwe) and Martin Owino (Ndhiwa) alongside Members of the County Assembly, executive committee members and other officials.
The leaders later joined the President at the Madaraka Day celebrations held at Raila Odinga Stadium on Sunday.
During Saturday's meeting, President Ruto recounted the difficulties he faced in seeking unity with Nyanza leaders.
Jubilant residents of Homa Bay during the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on June 1, 2025.
Despite his repeated overtures, most were initially reluctant to work with his administration.
“I reached out to Governor Wanga, hoping to understand the disconnect. She told me plainly, I had to go through Baba, ODM leader Raila Odinga, first,” Dr Ruto said.
At the time, PS Omollo stood out as the only leader from the region who firmly aligned himself with the President.
Nevertheless, the President emphasised that his development blueprint is inclusive and non-partisan adding that his vision is to develop the entire nation without marginalising any region.
“Our broad-based government has been instrumental in shaping policy and accelerating development. It’s different from where I sit now, but it helps to have a diverse coalition guiding our decisions,” he noted.
President Ruto added that incorporating Mr Odinga into the government was a strategic and necessary move to foster inclusivity and national cohesion.
Homa Bay State Lodge gets a final facelift ahead of the Madaraka Day celebrations on May 28, 2025.
“Those who staged protests to derail our plans only ended up strengthening our resolve. That’s how this inclusive government came to be,” the President said.
The broader framework of government, he added, has opened new channels for leaders, especially those from Homa Bay, to engage directly with his administration on development matters.
Over the past few months, Homa Bay leaders have held several meetings with the President, outlining local priorities ranging from road construction and market development to the rehabilitation of the town’s pier. Some projects are already complete, while others are in progress.
“I am proud of the progress we’ve made here. Homa Bay deserves every bit of support, and I assure you of my continued partnership,” President Ruto declared.
