President William Ruto with leaders from Nyanza region when they met him at State House Nairobi on Monday, 13th March 2023. [Twitter: @WilliamSRuto]

President William Ruto on Monday met with leaders from the Nyanza region.

The more than 30 leaders were led by former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero, former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, and former Migori Governor Okoth Obado.

"We will work with all leaders from across the political divide to transform our economy and uplift millions of Kenyans, especially those at the bottom of the economic pyramid. We believe this leadership model is the right approach for a stronger and more prosperous nation," said Ruto.

The leaders said they will work with the Kenya Kwanza government to deliver development projects to the people of Nyanza.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, when they met President Ruto, the leaders said time was ripe for Nyanza to embrace the government in power.

"As we speak here, we have already joined UDA with our supporters at the grassroots," said former Nyatike MP Anyanga.

They said they would mobilise the region to embrace the government.

Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero said the people of Nyanza have resolved to work with the government and won't allow themselves to be isolated from the rest of Kenyans.

They also pledged to join President Ruto's political party United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

President William Ruto and Nyanza leaders at State House Nairobi on 13th March 2023. [Twitter: @WilliamSRuto]

Gumbo said Nyanza must take its place among other regions in Kenya and be part of the country's development agenda.

President Ruto on his part said it was now the opportunity to change politics of Nyanza to that of development.

"We now have the opportunity to do the right thing for the people of Nyanza," he said.

President Ruto told the leaders that they have the opportunity to change the destiny of the people of Luo Nyanza.

"It's now your opportunity to change politics of Nyanza to that of development," he said.

He assured them of government support in development.

President Ruto also noted that his administration will not discriminate against any region based on how they voted in the last General Election.

He said time for tribal politics was over, saying it was now an opportunity for Kenyans to unite and forge ahead.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who also attended the meeting said it is sad that some leaders want to deny Kenyans the opportunity to serve the country because of different political ideologies.

"You need to create your space and liberate your community from bad leadership," said Gachagua.

The leaders were accompanied by ICT CS Eliud Owalo and Interior PS Ramond Omollo.

Also at the meeting was former police spokesperson Charles Owino, Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Agency Chairman Odoyo Owidi and former MPs Martin Ogindo, John Pesa, Rose Nyamunga, Nicholas Gumbo and Edick Anyanga.

Other leaders present were former MPs. They include former Kisumu MP Rose Nyamunga, former Nyando MP Fred Outa, Nicholas Gumbo who is former Rarieda MP, former Rangwe MP Martin Ogindo, former Migori legislator John Pesa, Omondi Anyanga, former Nyatike MP, former Police Spokesman Charles Owino, among others.