In February 2023, eight ODM legislators from Luo Nyanza defied their party leader Raila Odinga by pledging to work with President William Ruto , triggering instant shock and backlash.
The MPs were Elisha Odhiambo (Gem Constituency), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Walter Owino (Awendo), Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata), and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator).
Their visit to State House to meet the President earned them the label of “rebels”, and they faced open hostility from colleagues and constituents, who accused them of “begging for development”.
At the time, Mr Odinga and his supporters refused to recognise Dr Ruto’s presidency following the disputed 2022 elections. Several ODM leaders avoided engaging with the government for fear of being seen as traitors.
The MPs defended their actions, insisting that they were seeking development for the marginalised Nyanza region, not personal gain. Despite a political truce between Mr Odinga and President Ruto, key ODM allies – such as Governors James Orengo (Siaya) and Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) – continued to criticise the Kenya Kwanza regime.
However, two years later, these same critics are now leading delegations to State House to request development funding.
In recent weeks, all four Nyanza governors – Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Ochillo Ayacko (Migori), Orengo and Nyong’o – have held talks with President Ruto.
On Wednesday, Nyong’o led over 200 Kisumu leaders, including Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), clergy, professionals, and elders to State House.
This marked a notable shift, particularly as most of the leaders had previously insisted that development was a constitutional right, not something to be begged for.
On X, President Ruto said he was committed to inclusive development.
“No region or community will be left behind in transforming Kenya. Inclusive development powers every sector and value chain,” he wrote. He promised to complete key initiatives in the blue economy, such as the Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Centre – projected to produce 25–30 million fingerlings annually.
He also pledged funding for fish landing sites, markets, ferry construction, and rice farming support.
Prof Nyong’o expressed gratitude, highlighting the President’s pledges: gazettement of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital as Level 6, Sh1.3 billion for the Kabonyo–Kanyagwal Aquaculture Project, Sh800 million for a new ferry, and completion of key infrastructure including the Mamboleo–Miwani Road.
The Kisumu Special Economic Zone, Moi Stadium upgrades, electricity expansion, and a Lake Victoria Data Surveillance Centre were also discussed.
“These commitments represent a major step forward for Kisumu and affirm a collaborative spirit between national and county governments,” said Governor Nyong’o.
President William Ruto, Siaya Governor James Orengo and the Senator Oburu Oginga when he hosted leaders and business people from the county at State House, Nairobi on June 5, 2025.
Photo credit: PSC
Muhoroni MP Onyango K’Oyoo called for a joint implementation committee to oversee the leasing of sugar factories and noted that the President had urged the region’s support, criticising his rivals for lacking a concrete agenda for Nyanza.
Governor Nyong’o’s change in tone follows the March 2025 political agreement between ODM and United Democratic Alliance, as well as growing pressure from Luo Nyanza leaders who believe proximity to power should be leveraged for regional development.
Direct beneficiaries of the broad-based government – such as Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi, Senator Oburu Oginga, and MPs Junet Mohamed, Samuel Atandi, and Opondo Kaluma – have echoed this stance.
Dr Oginga said that while development is a right, resources are limited and representation at the national level is essential.
“This isn’t about taking what belongs to others – it’s about claiming what’s long been denied to us,” he said.
Some of the original rebel MPs now feel vindicated and are urging clarity from ODM’s leadership. At a recent event in Bondo, MP Gideon Ochanda said:
“Some of us took a stand early. But now we’re sending mixed signals. Our leaders must choose a clear path – only then can we move our community forward.”
