The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has set out conditions for backing President William Ruto’s re-election, saying any support must be matched by increased representation in government.
Speaking at the fifth Piny Luo Festival at Rongo University, ODM leader Oburu Oginga said the party’s electoral strength should translate into a commensurate share of Cabinet slots and senior government appointments.
“When we fight for the election together, we must be part and parcel of each other. We shall form the government together and gain more positions as we grow stronger as a party,” Dr Oburu said.
He acknowledged that ODM currently holds several senior positions in government despite not supporting President Ruto in the last election, but said the appointments marked only an initial step.
Senior officials from the lake region include Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Health Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, among others.
Dr Oburu noted that the appointments were made even though President Ruto garnered limited electoral support from Nyanza in 2022.
He singled out the appointment of the first Finance Cabinet Secretary from the community since independence, alongside that of the Energy CS, as significant milestones.
President William Ruto (left) confers with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the Piny Luo Festival in Senye Beach in Nyatike, Migori County on December 17, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
“This is a government we did not form with you. When we consolidate ODM and form the next government with you, you are going to give us more,” he said, addressing the President.
Mr Mbadi said the lake region had long been marginalised, both in appointments and development.
He noted that no Luo has ever served as Speaker of either the National Assembly or the Senate, urging voters to make strategic political choices. He said the region had resolved to support President Ruto’s re-election.
Responding, President Ruto abandoned his prepared speech and acknowledged that previous administrations had failed to adequately involve Nyanza in development and state appointments, despite the region’s contribution to national progress.
He observed that many of those who fought for constitutional reforms and freedoms enjoyed today hailed from the lake region.
“We want to correct historical and development injustices,” Dr Ruto said, pledging to address past shortcomings.
President William Ruto holds a spear and shield after being installed a Luo elder by the Luo Council of Elders at the Thimlich Ohinga Historic Site in Migori County on December 17, 2025.
However, he urged ODM leaders to strengthen party unity, saying former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had encouraged cooperation between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in the interest of national development.
“ODM should also put their house in order so that we unite. Raila told me to unite the country,” the President said.
Promote heritage and tourism
Dr Ruto said his administration was focused on tackling poverty, ethnicity and crime, and credited Mr Odinga with helping stabilise the government. Using the platform to seek a second term, he appealed for support from Nyanza voters and outlined ongoing and planned projects.
In Migori County, he said the government had allocated Sh1.7 billion for roads, alongside funds for affordable housing, with total development spending projected at Sh45 billion.
President William Ruto (left) with ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayako and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the Piny Luo Festival in Senye Beach in Nyatike, Migori County on December 17, 2025.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Other projects include rehabilitation of Lichota airstrip, construction of Migori Stadium at Sh900 million, and facilities in Muhuru, including a landing site, market and pier.
Additional initiatives target sugar and rice farmers, a student centre at Rongo University and a male hostel at the institution.
During the event, President Ruto was crowned a Luo elder at the Thimlich Ohinga Historic Site alongside Dr Oburu. He pledged to establish a cultural centre at the site to promote heritage and tourism.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who is also ODM national chairperson, said regional unity was critical to political influence and revealed plans to register 1.5 million new voters ahead of the next election.
