Showdown looms in Nyanza as Ruto and Azimio tour region

"We have also kicked off a collection of 15 million signatures as another strategy to show the world that Mr Odinga is the legitimate president," said Atandi.

He said they will continue to reject the Finance Act, terming it punitive and want it repealed.

But Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, who will host the President in his constituency, laughed off Atandi's sentiments, saying the Head of State had a right to visit any region.

In an interview with The Standard, the MP urged Bondo residents to welcome Ruto during his visit.

Ochanda said he is expecting Ruto to visit Mageta Island and help find a solution to harassment of fishermen and their safety.

Ruto, who will be visiting the county for the second time since assuming office, is expected to commission some projects in Gem including the construction of Gamba Technical Training Institute.

His tour will, however, run parallel to Mr Odinga's ODM events, which the party's director for Political Affairs James Wandayi said had nothing to do with the president's visit.

On Saturday, ODM will meet delegates from the Kisumu East constituency and hold public engagement at Nyamasaria-Mowlem Bus Park before heading to the Suna West constituency for a similar event.

It is not clear whether the President will be welcomed by area leaders, including Governor Orengo.

"We are yet to get a confirmation from the county government on whether they will attend the president's function or not," said Ochanda.

In Kisumu, ODM leaders led by Kisumu Central chairman and Market Milimani MCA Seth Kanga said they are expecting all ODM leaders in Nyanza to attend the rally planned on Saturday.

"On Saturday we expect all leaders to converge at Nyamasaria and not go to Homa Bay where the president will be. You are either with us or with our opponents and we will identify those who are not with us," he said.

In Migori County, President Ruto's allies claimed Nyanza stands to benefit from his visit. Uriri MP Mark Nyamita and Rongo MP Paul Abuor said they look forward to the president pronouncing himself on major infrastructure projects.

They say the president's visit is a sign of goodwill that he is willing to work for the nation.

President William Ruto addresses Kegati residents in Nyaribari Chache Kisii County on March 23, 2023. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

"Now that he has begun his new financial year proper, we look forward to him pronouncing and committing substantial infrastructure in Nyanza," Eng Nyamita said.

He said the president is under obligation to serve the nation with equity.

UDA officials in Homa Bay also expressed hope that President Ruto's tour on Saturday will bring goodies to county residents.

Led by UDA county chairman Collins Kadweya and Secretary John Kisiara, the officials said the president will launch the construction of major roads.

The officials said the President is expected to launch construction of Mbita- Sindo- Magunga- Sori road which is going to be the first tarmacked road in Suba South Constituency.

"The President is expected to launch tarmacking of Adiedo- Karabok Junction road in Karachuonyo and Kasipul constituencies," Kadweya said.

Yesterday, Interior PS Raymond Omollo's brother Hesbon Omollo said the president will be the chief guest at his home in Karachuonyo Constituency.

"The President will be our chief guest. We are doing final touches for the meeting," Omollo said.

[Reports by Isaiah Gwengi, Anne Atieno and James Omoro]