There were mixed reactions as Deputy president William Samoei Ruto was on Saturday given a grand reception by Migori governor Okoth Obado.
Prior to today’s visit, there were all types of unsubstantiated allegations from the deputy president’s side that there were plans to heckle him once he lands in Migori.
According to one Denis Itumbi, Migori senator Ochillo Ayako was reportedly mobilizing goons to stone DP’s motorcade, something which he never proved beyond the allegations.
“Dear Migori Senator, Hon. Ochilo George Mbogo Ayacko, The mobilization you are are reportedly currently doing, the goons you are allegedly engaging will NOT deliver the Governor seat you are seeking. Booing the DP and stoning his motorcade tomorrow, will just make us STRONGER. Please pay them more money and add the goons, we no longer buy FEAR -We will be there tomorrow.” Alleged Itumbi.
Migori governor Okoth Obado who is an ally of William Ruto had previously appealed to residents to allow the DP to sell his agenda without being met with violence.
The Migori governor urged the locals 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.
A number of members of parliament also reiterated the sentiments of governor Obado while cautioning Ruto to desist from his usual attacks directed at the opposition leader as it would rattle Migori residents.
“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.
It seems the appeal by governor Obado worked wonders as DP Ruto got a grand reception in a region perceived to be strongly behind Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Raila Odinga.
As a result, Ruto’s grand reception in Migori has left the likes of Denis Itumbi with an egg on their face since they had prayed for violence to taint the innocent community in a certain way.
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