William Ruto is heading to Migori a week after Jimmy Wanjigi was stoned, the county’s governor Okoth Obado fears the DP might suffer similar fate.
Ruto has launched a charm offensive on Raila’s Nyanza backyard with a major rally to be held in Awendo town, Migori county on Saturday September 25th.
The DP will lead a fundraiser at Awendo Central SDA Church before he holds a rally in Awendo town to address residents.
Ruto will be hosted by former Awendo MP Jared Kopiyo who is among a handful of Nyanza politicians who have joined the DP’s camp.
Migori governor Okoth Obado who is an ally of Ruto has already appealed to residents to allow the DP to sell his agenda without being meted with violence.
ODM is the most dominant political party in Migori, UDA is hard sell especially in Luo Nyanza as Ruto is the fiercest rival of Raila Odinga who enjoys fanatical support in the region.
Obado, who was in Awendo on Friday, appealed to residents to embrace peace and welcome all political leaders regardless of their political affiliations.
“I attended the burials of Mama Monica Achieng Owuor in Suna East Sub County and Mama Norah Ondigo Mbogo in Awendo Sub County. I call upon the people of Migori to embrace peace and welcome all political leaders regardless of their political affiliations. My thoughts and prayers are with the mourning families during this difficult time. Thank you the people of Awendo and Suna East for your great welcome ?,” wrote Obado.
Several ODM lawmakers have also called on residents to embrace peace while cautioning Ruto not to attack Raila in his speech as it will rattle locals.
“Ruto is free to come to Awendo and sell his development and political ideology because that is the same reception we want all politicians to get across the country ahead of the 2022 General Election. We also wish local and regional political leaders who will host him well. They won’t be missed in ODM,” said Awendo MP Walter Owino.
He added that;
“We believe there is a democratic right for leaders to associate with electorates and we wish he has a peaceful meeting, though he will just be a political tourist as Migori is solidly behind Raila and ODM party.”
Migori Senator Ochillo Ayacko said Ruto was free to pray in any church in Kenya insisting that politically, DP’s visit in Nyanza is null and void.
Uriri MP Mark Nyamita said Ruto’s visit to Awendo will be tolerated for sake of peace and open democratic space as they will keep off, but cautioned that his negative handling of the Luo community and region while in Jubilee will not add him votes.
“We are aware there are several leaders in Migori who will host him, including others who will send their representatives but we are not worried as the mandate of Migori and the region will stay with Raila Odinga and ODM,” Nyamita said.
Related: Okoth Obado Blamed For Violence Meted On Jimi Wanjigi In Migori
