President William Ruto commissioned the completed Rusinga Island Ring Road, stretching along the shores of Lake Victoria in Suba North Constituency, Homa Bay County On March 22, 2026.
President William Ruto’s sustained visits to Nyanza since the broad-based pact with the late Raila Odinga have redrawn the region’s political map, with ODM leaders embracing his tours and turning what was once hostile ground into a stage for cooperation and quiet realignment.
Since the formation of the broad-based pact in July 2024—at the height of the Gen Z protests—President Ruto has made at least 38 trips to Luo Nyanza alone, signalling an aggressive push into a region long considered the bastion of Raila Odinga.
At the centre of this sustained engagement is Homa Bay, where Governor Gladys Wanga—also the ODM National Chairperson—has emerged as the President’s most consistent host, helping transform the county into the primary gateway for his Nyanza strategy.
The frequency model
The numbers tell the story of that influence: of the 38 visits, 12 have been to Homa Bay, the highest in the region, compared to 10 in Kisumu, nine in Migori, and seven in Siaya, where Governor James Orengo has maintained a more guarded stance.
Analysts say Ms Wanga’s political choreography—mobilising leaders, shaping messaging and framing the visits around development—has been central to positioning Homa Bay as the launchpad of the President’s growing footprint in Nyanza region.
But analysts say that what is unfolding in Nyanza is not merely a series of development tours, but a long-term political realignment through frequency, symbolism, and grassroots engagement.
For decades, Nyanza was considered an impenetrable territory for presidents outside ODM’s orbit, largely due to the towering influence of Raila Odinga.
But the political landscape began to shift in 2024 following the broad-based arrangement between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), setting the stage for what is now a sustained presidential incursion.
President Ruto flagged off the construction of the 12km Holo-Lela road in Kisumu Town West Constituency on March 21, 2026.
The first major signal came in August 2024, when President Ruto embarked on a multi-county tour covering Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, and Migori.
The visit blended infrastructure launches with political outreach, marking the beginning of a new engagement strategy.
“I have said it before and I will say it again — this country is not divided into regions of development. I will go everywhere, launch projects in every corner, and ensure no part of Kenya is left behind,” President Ruto has repeatedly stated, underscoring his administration’s renewed nationwide engagement strategy.
Sometimes Dr Ruto’s statements have not augured well with the opposition, with former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua accusing the Head of State of frequenting Nyanza region, while neglecting the Mt Kenya fold, which, he insists, gave the president the most votes in the last election.
At times, President Ruto’s remarks have drawn sharp reactions from the opposition, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing the Head of State of making frequent visits to the Nyanza region while allegedly sidelining the Mt Kenya region, which he maintains delivered the highest share of votes for the President in the last election.
“Mr President, when you go to Luo Nyanza, please don’t insult us and label us tribalists after voting for you to a man in the last election. You have neglected this region, and the people here are frustrated and watching closely. They are ready to make you a one-term president next year,” Mr Gachagua told the president during the funeral service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua last month.
Political absorption
But unlike previous administrations, which often approached the Nyanza region cautiously, Dr Ruto adopted a high-frequency model—returning repeatedly, engaging local leaders, and embedding himself within the region’s socio-economic agenda.
Data on presidential visits underscores the intensity of this strategy. Since July 2024, the President has made 12 visits to Homa Bay, 10 visits to Kisumu, nine to Migori and only seven to Siaya, where he faced rejection from Governor James Orengo.
President Ruto commissioned the Piny-Owacho Level 3 Hospital, Uriri Constituency, Migori on March 23, 2026.
Homa Bay stands out—not only as the most visited county but also as the most politically significant in terms of reception and coordination.
This pattern, according to analysts, has served two purposes; normalising the President’s presence in a traditionally opposition zone and reinforcing a development-driven narrative that resonates with local populations.
Nowhere has this transformation been more evident than in Homa Bay County.
Under Governor Gladys Wanga, the county has effectively rolled out the red carpet for the President, hosting high-profile events and acting as the gateway for his Nyanza strategy.
The symbolism peaked on June 1, 2025, when Homa Bay hosted the 62nd Madaraka Day celebrations at the Raila Odinga Stadium. The event, attended by national and international dignitaries, marked the first time the county hosted a celebration of such magnitude.
For many observers, the choice of venue—and the seamless coordination by local ODM leadership—signalled a decisive shift from resistance to collaboration.
“It is not easy to turn down a request by Gladys,” President Ruto remarked during one of his visits, underscoring the governor’s growing influence in shaping his reception in the Nyanza region.
Development projects
President Ruto’s Nyanza strategy is anchored heavily on development projects, which have formed the backbone of his engagement with the region.
Across the four counties, his visits have been marked by the launch of affordable housing projects, commissioning of fish markets and blue economy infrastructure, road construction and upgrades, expansion of water and electricity connectivity and establishment of technical training institutions.
In Kisumu, projects such as the Lumumba Estate Affordable Housing Programme and the Lake Basin Development Authority rice mill have been central to his messaging.
In Homa Bay, the focus has been on blue economy initiatives, including the modern fish market and the Homa Bay Pier.
In Migori and Siaya, the emphasis has shifted to irrigation, housing, and digital infrastructure, reflecting a tailored approach to each county’s needs.
Perhaps the most defining moment of the President’s Nyanza engagement came between March 20 and 24, 2026, during a four-day tour that cut across all four counties.
In Kisumu, he launched infrastructure projects, including roads and housing, and engaged professionals and community leaders. In Homa Bay, he inspected roads, commissioned the Rusinga Ring Road, and attended a prayer service in Kasipul.
The tour extended to Migori, where he commissioned housing projects and inspected hospitals, before culminating in Siaya with the groundbreaking of the Usenge Pier.
“This tour represented the most comprehensive and coordinated presidential engagement in Nyanza in recent history,” argues advocate Chris Omore.
While the President’s visits have been frequent, their success has largely depended on the reception by ODM leaders.
President William Ruto, flanked by ODM party leader Oburu Odinga (second left), Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o, Suna East MP Junet Mohammed (right) and other senior government officials arrive for the for Idd-ul-Fitr Luncheon at Kisumu State Lodge in Kisumu County on March 19, 2026.
ODM leaders led by Dr Oburu Oginga have not only welcomed the President but actively mobilised grassroots support, reframing his visits as development-focused rather than political incursions.
This approach has helped ease tensions and create a more receptive environment for engagement.
However, the strategy has not been without controversy within ODM ranks.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has taken a near lone-ranger attack on the president, cautioning against uncritical alignment with the government, warning that the party risks losing its identity.
“A political party must never surrender its identity for temporary comfort,” he has previously stated.
Even as ODM leaders host the President, UDA has been quietly building its grassroots presence in the region.
The party’s recent grassroots elections in Kisumu, Siaya, and Migori marked its most aggressive attempt yet to establish a foothold in Nyanza.
This has triggered tensions between the two parties, particularly over zoning—a proposal by ODM to avoid competition in certain regions.
UDA has rejected the idea, insisting on open competition.
“If ODM believes it is strong, let it face the people,” said Hassan Omar, reflecting the ruling party’s confidence.
This hard stance recently forced President Ruto to convene a crisis meeting with the ODM leadership, which has demanded respect from their UDA counterparts, leading to a key resolution.
The joint consultative meeting that brought together the UDA Steering Committee and the ODM Central Management Committee mandated the respective party chairpersons – Cecily Mbarire (UDA) and Gladys Wanga (ODM) to continue structured and regular consultations across party organs.
“These ongoing engagements are intended to build consensus on priority issues and lay the foundation for a formal coalition of equals between UDA and ODM,” read the statement signed by President Ruto and ODM leader Dr Oginga.
ODM Party leader Dr Oburu Oginga (left), President William Ruto and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga share a cake during ODM@20 celebrations at Sarova Whitesands in Mombasa on November 16, 2025
They also announced plans to establish a Broad-based Management Committee to coordinate legislative and executive priorities.
“…the two-party leaders agreed to establish a Broad-based Management Committee comprising the party leaders, selected Cabinet Ministers, and the Majority and Minority Leaders in Parliament.”
The committee will be tasked with coordinating and synchronising the legislative and executive agenda of the government to ensure coherence, efficiency, and effective service delivery.
But insiders say the evolving relationship between UDA and ODM is characterised by cooperation and competition in equal measure.
For President Ruto, the Nyanza strategy is a high-stakes political gamble aimed at expanding his support base ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, for ODM leaders, it presents both opportunities and risks, with some leaders, especially those allied to Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, warning against allowing the president to have a foothold in ODM bastions.
While collaboration brings development projects and state resources, it also risks alienating core supporters who view the alliance with suspicion.
President William Ruto signed a condolence book in honour of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga at the State House in Nairobi. Members of the Executive will also sign the condolence book. This is one of many events organised to celebrate and reflect on the life of Hon. Odinga.
The absence of Raila Odinga’s unifying presence has further complicated matters, with factions emerging within the party.
Despite the optics of unity, tensions are increasingly visible.
ODM leaders have raised concerns about resource disparities, with UDA benefiting from access to state resources.
“We can’t compete against our UDA broad-based partners. They are in government and have money,” said Dr Oginga, highlighting fears of political displacement while pushing for zoning to ring-fence ODM zones.
At the same time, dissenting voices such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino have criticised the party’s leadership, accusing it of abandoning its founding principles.
Analysts argue that President Ruto’s approach reflects a long-term strategy to neutralise ODM not through confrontation but through gradual integration.
“President Ruto’s strategy is not about open confrontation with ODM, but a quiet, calculated political absorption,” said Prof Gitile Naituli of Multimedia University of Kenya. “By steadily deepening engagement in ODM strongholds, the approach appears designed to gradually integrate rather than confront — ultimately neutralising the opposition through proximity rather than pressure.”
By embedding development projects and fostering cooperation with local leaders, President Ruto is keen on reshaping political loyalties at the grassroots level.
“Gladys Wanga helped roll out the red carpet. Now, the guest is rearranging the house,” says political analyst Chris Omore, capturing the paradox of the situation.
He says that Nyanza is no longer the political monolith it once was.
List of President Ruto’s Nyanza Trips (July 2024–March 2026)
President William Ruto commissioned the completed Rusinga Island Ring Road, stretching along the shores of Lake Victoria in Suba North Constituency, Homa Bay County On March 22, 2026.
Homa Bay (12 visits)
1. Aug 29, 2024 – Mbadi thanksgiving, Rusinga road, fish market
2. Dec 27, 2024 – Genowa Governor’s Cup
3. May 29–31, 2025 – Multiple projects and Blue Economy Summit
4. June 1, 2025 – Madaraka Day celebrations
5. Aug 8–13, 2025 – Funeral, women leaders meeting, Devolution Conference
6. Dec 28, 2025 – Genowa Cup finals
7. Mar 22–23, 2026 – Roads, markets, power line commissioning
Kisumu (10 visits)
1. Aug 28, 2024 – Met traders
2. Aug 30, 2024 – Met UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan
3. Aug 31, 2024 – Commissioned Nyabondo Trauma Centre, launched housing and rice mill projects
4. Nov 26, 2024 – Opened African Sub-Sovereign Investment Conference
5. May 29, 2025 – Inspected Lumumba housing, launched Makasembo projects
6. Oct 19, 2025 – Attended funeral of Raila Odinga
7. Jan 30, 2026 – Uzima University graduation, Kanyakwar housing
8. Feb 2, 2026 – NYOTA fund disbursement (Sh220M)
9. Mar 20, 2026 – Leaders’ engagement, Idd luncheon
10. Mar 21, 2026 – Holo-Lela road, Seme TTC, SGR launch
Migori (9 visits)
1. Aug 28, 2024 – Roads, irrigation, electrification
2. May 4–6, 2025 – Housing, markets, TVET, hospital projects
3. Aug 14, 2025 – Awendo housing, grassroots meeting
4. Dec 17, 2025 – Piny Luo Festival
5. Dec 27, 2025 – Stadium, soccer tournament
6. Mar 23–24, 2026 – Housing, hospital, airstrip, Sori project
Siaya (7 visits)
1. Aug 30, 2024 – Market hub, housing, rice mill
2. Jan 2, 2025 – Stadium launch, Piny Luo Festival
3. Mar 21, 2025 – Yala housing
4. Apr 12, 2025 – Burial ceremony
5. Oct 19, 2025 – Raila Odinga burial
6. Mar 8, 2026 – Digital hub, church service
7. Mar 24, 2026 – Usenge Pier groundbreaking
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