Ruto meets leaders in scheme to isolate Raila in Western politics

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Kenya Kwanza's plan to isolate Azimio leader Raila Odinga in national politics is taking shape after leaders from the Western agreed to work together following a meeting with President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, yesterday.

The meeting to discuss the unity of the region was also attended by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

However, the leaders denied discussing politics and insisted that the talks involved identifying development projects in western Kenya.

"We were in the meeting as leaders from Kakamega County, and this is not our first meeting with the president. Even if we didn't vote overwhelmingly for Ruto in 2022, we believe that if he can fulfill the plans we have put in place, they can welcome him in 2027," Lurambi Member of Parliament Titus Khamala told The Standard on phone.

The Thursday morning meeting comes after Mudavadi hosted 35 MPs from Western region, which split during the electioneering period.

The leaders are pushing for the improvement of the road infrastructure, the establishment of an industrial park, and the revival of Mumias Sugar Company and Pan Paper Mill in Webuye, among other companies that collapsed in Western.

"We want to revive Mumias and focus on other important things. Our main agenda, irrespective of the parties, that elected us, is seeing development projects across western Kenya," Khamala said.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) Secretary General, Francis Atwoli said that the meeting focused on the development and growth of the nation.

"It was just a courtesy call, and the statement will come from State House," Atwoli said.

Khamala disclosed that the leaders also wanted to witness a truce between Atwoli and Ruto after the bitter elections. He said the Cotu boss will now work with Ruto to improve the lives of the people across the nation.

"We also wanted the two to talk, and we went to listen and be part of the process. We love peace, and we are now confident that they will work together," he said.

"I am an old man who has been in politics long enough to see where the country is going. I want to go with my people in the right direction," he added.

The Cotu boss said the meeting also discussed the rights and welfare of workers.

However, a politician who spoke to The Standard off-the-cuff said that the leaders agreed on how they could work together politically ahead of the 2027 elections.