Ruto’s visit to Homa Bay was to spite Raila – Dan Maanzo says

Makueni senator, Dan Maanzo has poked holes into President William Ruto's visit to Homa Bay county on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

Ruto made his maiden trip to the region which overwhelmingly voted for his arch-rival Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during an interview with a local station, Maanzo stated that Ruto's visit to Homa Bay county was a move to spite Raila.

He added that despite being a good gesture that Ruto wants to work with everyone the move was not done in good faith.

"President Ruto's visit to Homa Bay was to spit Raila Odinga, it was not done in good faith, It is a good gesture that he wants to work with everyone but when you look at it politically this was spiteful," the senator stated.

Host leaders fail to meet Ruto

At the time of his visit, host leaders including Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay town Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Kaluma failed to meet the Head of State at a church service in the region citing various reasons.

"Just got information that President@WilliamsRuto will be in Homa Bay today. Welcome. I'm unable to be with you due to a lack of means. Let there be better coordination in future so that the MP whose Constituency you're visiting has information and is available to receive you," Kaluma tweeted.

On the other hand, Wanga in a statement on her social media platforms said she could not join the President stating that she was in Mombasa county on official duty.

“I wish to extend a warm welcome to The President on behalf of the great people of Homa Bay and request him to feel at home. I am however out of the county on official duty and will therefore be unable to join HE for the church service and have communicated the same to His Excellency,” the Governor wrote.

The county boss however assured Ruto of safety and a warm welcome from Homa Bay residents.

“The people of Homa Bay have a culture of great hospitality and will warmly receive The President as he visits to pray with us. Karibu sana,” she added.

The high-profile absences came after Azimio la Umoja - One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga announced that the opposition will not legitimize Ruto's presidency.

Ruto promises goodies to Homa Bay residents

Shortly after attending the church service, the country's first-in-command affirmed that his government was committed to supporting development projects across the country as part of the Kenya Kwanza administration's transformation agenda.

The Head of State affirmed that his government will work with all elected leaders irrespective of their political affiliations.

"No region will be discriminated in the process of transforming this country. This is my commitment. Thank you the people of Homa Bay for the warm reception," Ruto said.

At the same time, Ruto pledged to deliver all promises he made to the people of Homa Bay county during the campaign period.

While thanking the residents of the region, the President promised to return to the county next month to commission the construction of low-cost 400 houses.

"I will be back next month to lay the foundation stone for the first 400 houses and early next year, I will launch the second phase for the construction of 2,000 homes," Ruto stated.

Ruto also pledged to prioritise a budget for stalled projects including roads, sewage and water projects in the county.

“I will deliver on the agreements I promised during my campaigns when I visited this region. Together with the elected leaders, we will tackle the issues that affect our country and every sector” he said as he committed to complete stalled infrastructural projects in the county.

"I am aware that some of the road projects have stalled in the county. I am asking that you allow me some time to first deal with the budget and the economy then I will come and finish the projects."

To improve access to higher education in the county, the Head of State said a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution will be opened in the county.

"Homa Bay Town has no technical training college, neither is there one in Suba South. I will speak to the leaders so that they set land aside for the construction of colleges so that youths can earn from the project," he added.

The President also announced plans to revive cotton production in Homa Bay through the supply of high-breed seeds.