In a remarkable show of unity, youths in Kisumu, under the leadership of Bunge La Wananchi, have lauded President William Ruto for his unwavering support of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during his bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship. The group also distanced itself from individuals who chanted “Ruto must go” in Kondele following the announcement of AUC results in Addis Ababa, where Odinga lost to Djibouti’s Mahmoud Youssouf.
The Kisumu youths praised Ruto for demonstrating genuine friendship and commitment to Odinga throughout the campaign period, calling it a reflection of true statesmanship.
Lucas Otieno, a Kondele resident, acknowledged the president’s efforts to uplift the Luo community, citing key appointments in his administration.
“As residents of Kondele, we are praising Ruto and his government. As youths, we saw what Ruto did for Raila during the AUC campaign period. In this government, we have managed to get PS Interior, Minister for Finance, and Energy. We are backing Ruto, and we will not disappoint him,” said Otieno.
‘Kenyans, Not Odinga, Lost the AUC Race’
Joshua Owino, chairman of Bunge La Wananchi Kondele, emphasized that Odinga’s loss in the AUC race was a setback for Kenya as a whole, not just for the former Prime Minister. He commended the post-election unity between Ruto and Odinga, pledging unwavering support for their collaborative efforts.
“We saw Raila speaking with Ruto, and they talked well. We are supporting them. They said they will work together, and as youths, leaders of Bunge La Wananchi Kisumu, and the entire residents of Kisumu, we are supporting their partnership. Those who were saying ‘Ruto must go’ must change. We will support Raila and Ruto in 2027,” Owino asserted.
A History of Friendship
Wilson Aminda, a government supporter allied with Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, praised Ruto’s longstanding support for Odinga, recalling their collaboration during the 2007 elections. He described the president as a reliable and steadfast ally of Odinga and urged the Luo community to support Ruto’s leadership for a second term.
Similarly, Isaiah Omondi, a member of Bunge La Wananchi Kisumu County, highlighted the deep bond between Ruto and Odinga, dismissing any attempts to sow division between the two leaders.
Jacob Otieno Akatch also addressed critics who claimed that Odinga’s political influence is waning, describing him as a timeless leader with unmatched stature who continues to command respect and admiration.
Hope for a Unified Future
The Kisumu leaders expressed optimism about the strengthened partnership between Odinga and Ruto, vowing to support the government’s development agenda and foster unity within the region. They also called on youths across the country to embrace political harmony, emphasizing that a united Kenya stands to achieve greater progress.
