Raila owes me, he should vote for me against Kalonzo in 2027- Ruto

Ruto claimed that Raila Odinga owed him political support because of his part in the former prime minister's appointment as he began the second day of a four-day development tour of the Luo-Nyanza region.

"I was Raila’s supporter. For him to be today referred to as former the Prime Minister, I am the one who helped put him in office,” he stated in an address to Homabay County residents yesterday.

He went on to say that he had endorsed Raila Odinga's presidential bid in 2007 and now expected reciprocal support in the 2027 general elections.

 “I voted for ‘Agwambo’ (Raila Odinga) and he has never voted for me. I will now wait for his vote in the 2027 General Elections because if he’s not running, I will be running alongside Kalonzo Musyoka,” Ruto remarked.

“I got the presidential seat that I vied for, and I am now calling for unity so as to take Kenya forward.”

He reiterated his call for national unity, urging the residents to look beyond political differences.

"Do not question why I came to Homabay county, even though I did not receive votes from you. Homabay is an integral part of Kenya, and I promise to work for the betterment of the entire nation," he said.

The tour across Luo-Nyanza marks President Ruto's second such endeavor since his election, unfolding against the backdrop of recent Sondu clashes in the region, which elicited concerns and calls for intervention from select political leaders.

The clashes claimed seven lives and left scores injured.