William Ruto's Nyanza tour ignites talk of grand coalition for 2027 election

President William Ruto admires a big fish he was gifted by residents of Kisumu after he assessed the work-in-progress at Homa Bay Town Market. [PCS] . The possibilities of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga forming a coalition is gaining traction within the two camps as the President's second day visit to Nyanza concluded. During the tour, senior ODM officials and Raila's close allies pushed for a political marriage akin to the Azimio coalition that fronted Raila's candidature in the 2022 election. It is an idea that has gained support during Ruto's visit as politicians from both Kenya Kwanza and Raila's camp exhibited a show of unity while showering each other with praises. Yesterday, as the President toured Homa Bay, the push to form a strong political union dominated speeches, with Ruto also declaring the current pact will "yield more fruit in future". Ruto said his collaboration with Raila will not end with his support for his bid for African Union Commission chairmanship and invited the opposition to join him in forming the next government. Raila's allies committed to backing his administration, saying they were optimistic their collaboration will remain firm in coming years. National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohammed said they are committed to being in the government after 2027 election and praised Ruto for opting to work with them. "There is nobody who was born to be in opposition Kenya. I am holding my post as the minority leader for the next three years. Let those who want to be in opposition start preparing to be in opposition because we will be in the government as ODM," Mohammed said. Treasury CS John Mbadi said they owe Ruto a lot for his role in helping Raila become prime minister in 2008. "Remember when Ruto was our friend during Pentagon. Had it not been for him, Raila would not have been prime minister. And now the friendship between us is here again and this time if we work well with him, we will have good fortunes," said Mbadi. Mbadi said Ruto's decision to incorporate former ODM leaders showed that he is a true friend of the party and the Luo community. "It is true that we did not vote for President Ruto in the last election but he made these marvellous appointments. What the President has done shows that you should know a neighbour to eat with," Mbadi said. ODM Deputy Party leader Simba Arati said there is no problem if the President becomes part of ODM again and welcomed him to walk the journey with them towards the 2027 General Election. Arati said Ruto is a pioneer member of ODM hence there is no problem if he becomes part of the party again. "President Ruto, if you feel any discomfort in your party in 2027, please come to ODM. We will welcome you very highly. You were a pioneer member of our party," said the Kisii Governor. ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga said her party welcomed Ruto in Nyanza, adding that they were optimistic their new found cooperation will unlock development opportunities. She said the President deserves praise for bringing the country together. The Homa Bay Governor said they were committed to working with Ruto for the long term. "As ODM, we welcome President Ruto in Nyanza. And I also welcome him in my capacity as the Governor of Homa Bay," Wanga said. Several ODM MPs said they will support Ruto's administration. "We are ready to support President Ruto as long as he is co-operating with Raila Odinga," said Lilian Gogo, Rangwe MP. The President said he is ready to work with ODM leaders for the long term. "Are you guys ready we form the next government?"posed Ruto. He hit out at politicians who criticise his decision to appoint former ODM officials Cabinet Secretaries. Ruto said he had helped Raila before and there was nothing wrong if Raila returned the favour. "I helped Odinga some time back to form a coalition government. What is wrong if Odinga helps me with men from his party to help me run my government?"Ruto asked. He said time had come to do away with politics of ethnicity and division. "I want the people of Homa Bay and Nyanza to understand that we are one community and one nation called Kenya. My objective is to do away with politics of ethnicity and division to ensure all Kenyans are united even though we voted differently in 2022," Ruto said. The President was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, several governors, senators, hundreds of MPs and senior government officials. Earlier Ruto toured various development projects in the county including the Oyugis Water Supply Project and tarmacking of the Rusinga Ring Road. His allies in Kenya Kwanza also rallied the region to remain steadfast behind the new political formation. Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo urged Raila's support base to look at the bigger picture. "I urge our people to look at the bigger picture. I see good fortunes in future for our community and our people," said Omollo. Gachagua thanked the region for welcoming the President. He praised Raila's allies who have joined the Cabinet, saying he believed in their potential. In 2018, a similar union between Raila and President Uhuru Kenyatta birthed the Azimio coalition. Today, Ruto will tour Siaya, where he will launch several projects before attending the homecoming ceremony of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi. newsdesk@standardmedia.co.ke

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