Kisumu leaders, led by Sospeter Obungu Owich, President of the Kenya Bunge la Wananchi caucus and Sufuria Movement, alongside local businesspeople, expressed their delight following President William Ruto’s visit to Kisumu on Tuesday, November 26, 2024.
The president’s visit, which included the launch of the 4th AfSNET Investment Conference and several roadside rallies, was praised for its positive economic impact on the city. Traders reported increased business, with hotels experiencing record profits and youth benefiting from the economic activity.
“On behalf of the political class and the great people of Kisumu County, I thank the president for visiting us. This is the second time he’s been here for development matters. We keenly listened to his plans and are convinced he is on the right trajectory to implement his 2022 manifesto,” Obungu stated.
Obungu applauded the peaceful atmosphere during the president’s visit, acknowledging former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s call for residents to welcome Ruto warmly.
“This is Baba’s backyard, and he guided us to maintain peace. We also thank the president for employing more people from this region,” he added.
He further commended Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda for facilitating meaningful discussions between the president and Kisumu residents. Obungu, who has gained popularity in Kisumu’s political circles, highlighted his collaboration with Ojienda as pivotal in advancing local development.
Local trader Alphonse Odhiambo noted that the visit provided much-needed economic relief, especially for hotel businesses.
“Many of us made money. Now, we urge the president to fulfill his promises, especially on job creation,” Odhiambo said.
UDA Vice Chairperson for Kisumu, Beatrice Amondi, also thanked the president for advancing the bottom-up agenda, assuring Kisumu’s youth that the Kazi kwa Vijana program would resume in January.
President Ruto’s engagements in Kisumu included stops at Riat, Kondele, and Kisumu Boys roundabout, where he reiterated his commitment to implementing his development agenda. Among his pledges were the reinstatement of the Kazi Mtaani initiative and projects targeting economic growth and job creation in the region.
Kisumu’s warm reception and the economic boost from the visit highlight growing optimism about the region’s development trajectory under the president’s administration.
