A section of women in Kisumu has declared firm support for President William Ruto’s Tutam agenda, saying the Luo community is already witnessing the benefits of being part of a broad-based government. They vowed to stand with the President beyond the 2027 General Election.
Addressing the press on Tuesday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Sports Ground, the group said former Prime Minister Raila Odinga made the right decision in guiding the Luo community into the broad-based government, arguing that it ensured the region remained politically and developmentally secure.
But the women reserved their strongest criticism for ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, whom they accused of “blackmailing” Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo. They praised the PS for initiating key development projects across Luo Nyanza, including empowering women and youth, building houses for widows, and sponsoring needy students.
They further claimed that Governor Wanga’s recent cabinet reshuffle, where Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga and one of his allies were removed from the county executive, was a targeted political attack intended to undermine Dr. Omollo.
The women vigorously defended the PS, describing him as a development-focused leader whose impact has been felt at the grassroots over the last three years. They urged President Ruto to resist any attempts to influence changes in the Interior docket.
“Mr. President, no one pushed you to come to us. Please do not listen to anyone luring you to remove Dr. Raymond from office. No elected or unelected leader has done what Raymond has done for this community,” said Sarah Adhiambo Opiyo during the protest.
They praised Dr. Omollo for supporting widows, promoting women’s economic empowerment, uplifting youth groups, and rolling out education initiatives across the region.
“Dr. Raymond has been building houses for women, educating their children, supporting women in business, and uplifting both women and youth groups,” another protester said.
Students from various tertiary institutions also joined the demonstrations, crediting the PS with sponsoring their education in ways they said elected leaders had failed to do.
The group delivered a sharp warning to Governor Wanga, accusing her of sabotaging projects linked to Dr. Omollo.
“To Governor Wanga, we speak to you as women. We have suffered enough. Leave Raymond alone. He has done more than you have in your entire leadership. Show us any project in your county that you have done as governor,” one protest leader challenged, insisting that most tangible developments in Homa Bay were financed by the national government.
The women reaffirmed their unwavering support for President Ruto and pledged to back his re-election bid, saying the region must remain aligned with the government of the day.
