A power struggle between Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko and other elected leaders has forced President William Ruto to cancel his planned trip to the county.
President Ruto was scheduled to visit Migori on Thursday before proceeding to Homa Bay and Kisumu on Friday and Saturday, respectively, to launch development projects ahead of Madaraka Day celebrations on Sunday.
But Mr Ayacko on Wednesday found himself isolated following claims that he tried to sideline other elected leaders in the President’s tour.
It has emerged that when President Ruto visited Migori early this month, MCAs asked him to host them at State House for a consultative meeting.
The governor would later request the President to host all elected leaders from the region, which the Head of State agreed to. He is, however, accused of refusing to involve the other leaders in planning for the trip.
The alleged sidelining saw a majority of the MPs from the county hold a meeting on Tuesday in Nairobi where they resolved to boycott the President’s tour in protest.
The meeting was chaired by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed and attended by all the other MPs apart from Woman Rep Mohammed Fatuma and Suna West MP Peter Masara. The development forced the State House to alter the schedule by dropping Migori out.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
State House through the Head of the Presidential Communication Service Munyori Buku confirmed the change in the President’s plan.
Mr Mohammed also confirmed the change of schedule but did not provide details. “The visit has been postponed because of engagements in Kisumu on the same day,” said Mr Mohammed.
Mr Ayacko did not respond to our query, but a message shared by his communication team indicated that the trip had been “postponed to a future date due to engagements and functions that will happen in Kisumu on the same day.”
This as Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga in an interview with the Nation opened up on how the broad-based government has facilitated major development projects in his county and the larger Nyanza region that has largely been marginalised by previous regimes as a result of opposition politics. Ms Wanga also spoke about Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) 2027 plan.
The governor said it is all systems go for the Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium.
Ms Wanga, who is also the national chairperson of ODM, said they remain committed to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the party signed with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
She said ODM will continue to strengthen its structures ahead of 2027, adding that the decision on whether to team up or not with President Ruto would be made at the right time.
This is a historic moment for Homa Bay. This indeed is a game-changer for our region. Imagine the transformation; upgraded roads, an excellent stadium, and a spruced-up airstrip. This national spotlight means immediate economic benefits for our traders, job opportunities for our youth, and legacy infrastructure that will serve generations to come.
Beyond the physical developments, this is our golden opportunity to showcase Homa Bay's stunning lakeside beauty and vibrant culture to the entire nation. With this year's theme focusing on Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs, no location could be more perfect than our lakeside county. This event will put Homa Bay firmly on the national map as a hub of tourism, trade, and economic opportunity.
We have been working hand-in-hand with national officials, and I am happy to report we are on track at over 90 per completion for the infrastructure projects. It is all systems go for June 1st.
Q: Is Raila Odinga Stadium, the venue for the event, complete?
The stadium’s transformation is impressive and it is now a 12,000-seater with modern facilities. I'm pleased to report that the terraces and parking areas are now 95% complete. As the county government of Homa Bay we had worked on the main terrace, the field, and the track and quite pleased with what the ministry has done to bring the stadium to the level it is now. Sports CS Salim Mvurya (a former ODM governor, by the way) has been overseeing this, and it will be a crown jewel for Homa Bay beyond Madaraka Day.
Q: What development projects did you discuss with the President during your State House visit in April?
We discussed several key projects, including infrastructure (roads, water, and electricity), healthcare upgrades, and agricultural support to boost food security.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga at a past event.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
The President committed to fast tracking these initiatives, some of which will be launched during Madaraka Day. This will be a major highlight of the celebrations, demonstrating the government’s commitment to delivering for the people of Homa Bay.
Homa Bay has benefited from transformative projects, including the new pier, affordable housing units, and President William Samoei Ruto will launch the ultra-modern fish market.
The President will also inspect the construction of key infrastructure projects including Kadel-Kandiege-Nyangwete-Pala-Kanyadhiang’ Road, Mbita- Sindo-Magunga-Sori Road and Oboke-Rangwe Road.
He will also launch the construction of Gor Mahia Ring Road.The contractors for Kadel-Kandiege-Nyangwete-Pala-Kanyadhiang’ Road, Mbita-Sindo-Magunga-Sori Road and Oboke-Rangwe Road have been mobilized and are on-site. These developments mark a major step forward in boosting connectivity and economic growth in this region.
The 10-point agenda lays emphasis on inclusivity when it comes to development. The bipartisan approach has indeed fostered better cooperation between national and county governments. While development should be equitable regardless of politics, the MoU has enhanced dialogue, ensuring that Homa Bay benefits from national projects just like other regions.
ODM remains committed to constructive engagement for the sake of national stability and development. While differing opinions are natural in a democratic party, our leadership supports dialogue that benefits Kenyans. We encourage unity while respecting divergent views within the party.
Q; You publicly said that ODM did not sign up for assassination of its members following the murder of Charles Ong’ondo. Was the killing sanctioned by the state?
The brutal murder of our colleague, Charles Ong’ondo Were, was a profound tragedy. While we must allow investigations to conclude, my statement underscored a fundamental principle: political competition must never descend into violence. The late MP’s family, our party, and the nation deserve justice and accountability.
Q: What is ODM’s plan going into 2027 General Elections; Will you field a presidential candidate or back President Ruto?
Political parties exist to capture power. Our immediate focus is on strengthening the party and delivering for Kenyans. When the time comes, our electoral strategy whether as a standalone party or in coalition will be decided democratically. For now, we remain steadfast in our mission to offer Kenya the visionary leadership it deserves.
Visit Makasembo Housing and Otonglo Affordable Housing Project, Kisumu Town
Launch Gor Mahia Ring Road at Nagina, Homa Bay Town Constituency
Open Homa Bay Fish Market, Homa Bay Town Constituency
Open Homa Bay Pier, Homa Bay Town Constituency
Visit Homa Bay Affordable Housing Project, Homa Bay Town Constituency
Open Rangwe Sub-County Headquarters, Rangwe Constituency
Visit Kosiga Dam, Rangwe Constituency
