President Ruto urges Nyanza to join Gov’t, leave opposition to 'other people'

President William Ruto has promised to remove the people of Nyanza region from the political opposition, where they have wallowed for a long time, and include them in his government.

Speaking on Friday during the thanksgiving ceremony of his newly appointed Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi in Ugunja, President Ruto expressed confidence in the new-found relationship between the ODM party and his Kenya Kwanza outfits.

Ruto referred to recent remarks by National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed that he is the new opposition leader, saying he would ensure that he brings the Nyanza region on board come 2027.

The President underscored that the region has been in the cold for decades and would now be absorbed into his government, urging the residents to also allow other regions in the country to be in the opposition.

“We have the Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and we agreed yesterday that after three years, we will look for other people to lead the opposition because we will all be in government,” Ruto said.

“Do you agree that after three years we should hand over the opposition to other people? Or do you still want to continue being in opposition here in Nyanza? After three years, if there are people who want to lead the opposition, let us give them.”

The Head of State lauded ODM leader Raila Odinga for his decision to work with Kenya Kwanza through the broad-based government approach, reiterating that the move is for the good and unity of all Kenyans.

He cited his past sour relationship with his long-term political nemesis Odinga, as he also thanked him for putting aside their differences to help the government in times of political tension.

“I want to thank my brother Raila for agreeing to put away our differences so that we move the country forward. I know you have been my competitor and party leader in the past but today we have turned together shoulder to shoulder for the greater good of the republic of Kenya,” Ruto noted.

“I salute you as a great Kenyan, a patriot, a man who has a heart for our nation. Even if we competed and I won, the victory was for all Kenyans, including the people of Nyanza. We are now united Kenyans with a common destiny. Raila knows what is good for Kenya and I am sure his stand to work with me for the stability of Kenya is the right decision at this time.”

He added, “If you didn’t believe that victory was for all of us, I am sure now you can see. Wandayi who was the Minority Leader, is now a minister in the government.”