Ruto in five-day Nyanza tour with goodies to plead case for 2027 pre-election pact
President William Ruto speaks in Lurambi, Kakamega, during the handover of Milimani affordable housing units on March 17, 2026.
What you need to know:
- The President’s five-day tour will begin with a crucial meeting with area leaders at State Lodge, Kisumu, on Friday afternoon.
- On Saturday, he will launch the construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension at 9:30am.
After curtains came down on President William Ruto’s four-day tour of the Western region, he is set to embark on one of the most significant assignments of his political life: persuading locals to buy into his pre-election pact with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
According to a tentative programme, the President’s five-day tour will begin with a crucial meeting with area leaders at State Lodge, Kisumu, on Friday afternoon.
On Saturday, he will launch the construction of the Naivasha–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway extension at 9:30am before commissioning an affordable housing project in Yala, Siaya County.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the chairman of the East African Community, is expected at the event.
The president will then head to Asat Beach landing site in Kisumu West and inspect the construction of the Holo–Lela Road in Seme.
On Sunday, President Ruto will attend a church service in Sikri, Homa Bay County, launch projects in Adiedo and Rusinga, before returning to Chemelil in Kisumu to inspect other projects at 4pm.
The following day, he will inspect the construction of the Dho Goye Bridge in Usenge, Bondo (Siaya County), before heading to Bar Ober at 11:30am and later flying to Sori in Migori County.
The President’s itinerary for Tuesday remains unclear, but he is expected to stay within a region that overwhelmingly supported his rival-turned-ally, Raila Odinga.
He will be staying at State Lodge, Kisumu, on Thursday before commencing the tour on Friday.
Observers believe the five-day development tour in Luo Nyanza will carry significant political weight, offering an opportunity for the Kenya Kwanza leader and ODM leadership, led by Dr Oburu Oginga, to convince supporters that a pre-election agreement—16 months to the General Election—will be beneficial.
President William Ruto in Busia Town after the groundbreaking for the construction of Busia Stadium in Matayos Constituency, Busia County on March 18, 2026.
The closed-door meeting between the President and Nyanza leaders on Friday afternoon is expected to set the tone for the tour. Later, the Head of State will meet the Muslim community in Kisumu during Eid ul-Fitr celebrations.
Political commentator Salim Odeny believes the visit will be more political than developmental, with a two-pronged strategy.
“The first thing is he will be endearing himself directly to the electorate, which he knows how to do, as he makes inroads into a region that has not fully supported him. In case of any fallout, he remains with the people,” said Mr Odeny.
He added that the second strategy is to send a strong message that he fully backs a pre-election pact with ODM.
The President will be hoping the region will heed the directive issued by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to his supporters to work with him in the broad-based government until 2027.
For the Dr Oburu-led faction of the Linda Ground Movement, the visit presents an opportunity to assure both the President and residents that this path reflects the late Odinga’s vision.
Mr Odeny, who is also an advocate, says this could work in the President’s favour.
Ruto’s re-election bid
“The ODM leaders will try to paint a picture of how this was Baba’s vision, how they were left in government, and how development has been witnessed in the region like never before. In doing so, they may inadvertently hand over the Luo vote to Ruto by making the electorate feel indebted,” he said.
His inroads come at a time when another faction is spearheading an anti-Ruto campaign dubbed Linda Mwananchi. For the President, a divided ODM could pose a challenge, as it may not guarantee him full electoral support.
The ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Mombasa on February 11, 2026, alongside a Parliamentary Group meeting, resolved to strengthen ties with the UDA-led administration and authorised negotiations for new pre-election coalitions.
This is expected to be ratified at the National Delegates Conference slated for March 27, shortly after the Ruto Nyanza tour.
The launch of development projects in a region long perceived to have been marginalised due to opposition politics could also work in the President’s favour, with residents likely to support continued collaboration with the government.
President William Ruto addresses residents of Kakamega Town on March 17, 2026.
This has been part of the President’s messaging, including during his Western region tour, where he pledged equitable development.
“I have vowed to end the politics of ethnicity and discrimination and ensure that no part of Kenya is left behind in development. This Western region was marginalised for many years; it will not be left behind again under my watch,” Dr Ruto said in Vihiga on Thursday.
Key among the projects is the Standard Gauge Railway extension from Naivasha to Kisumu and Malaba, which is expected to boost the region’s economy.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o described the project as transformative, saying it will enhance regional integration and unlock economic opportunities.
“This milestone represents not only progress in infrastructure development, but also a shared vision for growth and stronger regional integration. It reflects our collective aspirations for a better future,” he said.
He added that the railway’s arrival in Kisumu fulfils a long-held dream and expressed optimism that it will eventually extend beyond Kenya’s borders.
Prof Nyong’o also called on residents to turn out and receive President Ruto, who is expected to officiate the SGR launch in Kibos, Kisumu County, on Saturday alongside Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni.
Several leaders have already begun mobilising support for the President.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has vowed to lead campaigns for Dr Ruto’s re-election, saying it aligns with Raila Odinga’s vision.
“We have been in opposition for a long time. Raila showed us the way through the broad-based government, and that is where we are headed. We do not want Siaya County to lag behind in development,” said Mr Wandayi.
It remains unclear whether Siaya Governor James Orengo will be present to receive the President during his visits to Dho Goye in Bondo and the Yala Affordable Housing project in Gem.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
