President William Ruto’s close aide Farouk Kibet has called on the Luo Nyanza region to unite and take leadership after Ruto’s presidency, in a rare show of political goodwill aimed at shifting the region’s political narrative.
“We are saying the leadership after William Ruto should come to Nyanza Province. If we join hands, we will sail through successfully,” Kibet told a packed hall at Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu on Sunday, June 29, during a high-profile fundraiser for Kisumu’s Bunge la Wananchi.
Kibet commended Cabinet Secretary for Petroleum and Energy James Opiyo Wandayi as the most hardworking minister in Ruto’s administration, declaring him a rising star with national leadership potential.
In a clear swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Kibet urged Kisumu residents to ignore divisive politics, saying Gachagua exited government circles because “President Ruto chose unity over tribalism and disunity.” Kibet donated KSh 500,000 toward the initiative to purchase a community bus.
Wandayi, the event’s chief guest, praised Kisumu residents for their calmness during recent Gen-Z-led protests, stating that the Kenya Kwanza government has addressed the region’s key concerns. “Since the protests began, Kenya has never seen police stations burned, courts razed, and officers assaulted, except this time. But here in Kisumu, you stood tall,” said Wandayi, adding that Nyanza is ready for elections and would support Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
He announced a personal donation of KSh 2 million, equal to the amount contributed by President Ruto through National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Also in attendance, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale issued a stern warning to private health facilities sabotaging the Social Health Authority (SHA), saying some are inflating bed counts and refusing to offer services under the scheme.
“You have 14 beds and claim you have 100, you’re lying to the government. Your right to picket does not give you the license to loot, maim, or rape our women. We will not accept that,” said Duale, who donated KSh 1 million to the cause. He called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to uphold the rights of innocent citizens and protect property during future demonstrations.
The meeting drew several political leaders, including Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, MPs Joshua Oron (Kisumu Central) and Aduma Owuor (Nyakach), Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, and other dignitaries, all echoing the need to ensure Ruto serves his full two terms, just as former Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta did under the current constitution.
The gathering was lauded as a symbol of new political realignment, with the message clear: it is time for Nyanza to prepare for national leadership beyond opposition politics.
