By Anderson Ojwang
President William Ruto could be finding a safe landing in the once hostile territory that denied him votes in 2022 presidential elections and also became a hot bed for violent protests against his administration over the recent Finance Bill.
The Mountain, which was his bedrock, is currently experiencing a political volcanic fissure with the residents turning to prayers and looking at Mt Kenya for redemption.
Even the recent meeting between President Ruto and his predecessor Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta and subsequent appointments of the scions of the House of Mumbi into the cabinet and government did not thaw down the eruption.
Drawn from various parts of the country and led by the Director of the Gikuyu and Mumbi Cultural Museum Mr. Samuel Kamitha, the group said they offering prayers to what they described as significant challenges the country had witnessed in the year.
“This year has brought many shocking events for our country. We have come here to pray for Kenya and seek divine intervention. Our forefathers believed in the mountain as a sacred place. We are here to call upon God to help us overcome the political and social challenges we face,” said Kamitha
For President Ruto, he could be reaping from his early adventures and investments in Nyanza as he currently feels safer and at home in any of the counties in the region that he has frequented most recently.
During last year’s Thanksgiving service for the Internal Security Permanent Secretary, Dr Raymond Omollo, Kericho Senator Mr. Aoron Cheruiyot evoked the spirit of Dipir requesting the Luo community and the Kalenjin to collaborate, unite and work together.
“It is here in Kachuonyo that our aunt, dipir was married by Rachuonyo and we recognize as Kalenjin community the importance of such relationship. We understand the prominent role Rachuonyo plays in the Nyanza politics that is we seek to work together and President Ruto indeed has shown his commitment to that effect by appointing your son and our nephew to a very important seat. Let the two communities work together and live in peace and harmony as we have a long historical and ancestral connection,” he said during the homecoming ceremony for Dr Omolo in July 15 2023.
The then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua said at the function that he had requested President Ruto to give the slot to his preferred candidate but Ruto declined and told him, he had chosen a young man from the lake.
And President Ruto during a party at the home of Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo told the residents that his victory was more of an ODM victory because he was a student of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and that the two communities have a common bond.
With the recent political realignment and the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President Ruto is finding Nyanza to be more homely and welcoming than most parts of the country.
While Mt Kenya could be rebelling against the president and fast sliding into the region of protests that was synonymous with Nyanza, the Lake is becoming calmer and more accommodative.
While the Mountain and Nairobi witnessed protest over abductions on Monday, December 30 2024, Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya the once volatile and violent protest hot spots turned cold with no any form of activity.
It was business as usual. President Ruto, last weekend was in Homa Bay to watch the finals of Governor Gladys Wanga-sponsored Genowa football tournament where he shared the podium with Raila and received a rousing welcome.
“We are excited to welcome President William Ruto to Homa Bay County. Karibu Rais and thank you for your support and belief in the talented young people of Homa Bay. Let’s make this tournament one to remember,” Governor Wanga said on X.
President Ruto will tomorrow January 1 st 2025 deliver opening year speech at Kisii State lodge before hosting Uganda President Yoweri Museveni in Siaya during the Luo Cultural Festival.
President Ruto will be expected to open the ultra-modern Siaya County stadium the following day and with these activities, Onjelo ja Got is enhancing his visibility and acceptability in the region.
Former Nyakach MP Ochieng Daima said Nyanza is becoming more receptive to President Ruto because of the support from Raila who has somehow provided him with the political key to visit
the region.
“We have not witnessed any form of infighting between Raila’s team and President Ruto’s allies in Nyanza. If anything PS Omolo has moved to work together with all leaders and this has enhanced the developing of unity and collaboration among the leaders,” he said.
He argued that the recent cabinet appointment of John Mbadi, Opiyo Wanday and Dorcas Oduor by President Ruto in the broad-based government has stirred a positive reception in the community.
“ In Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila’s handshake, there were no appointments of community members to the cabinet and other senior government positions. It was built more on the hope of supporting Raila’s presidential bid. President Ruto has rewarded the community and this is what could be leading to a change of heart,” he argued.
Chairman of Lake Victoria South Water Works Development Mr. Odoyo Owidi said the Mountains have for over the last six decades enjoyed entitlement to national leadership and feel disfranchised when they are not within the power apex.
“What we are witnessing currently is the rebellion from the mountaineers who feel excluded from the apex of power and want to DE campaign President Ruto. They have been in the presidency as either the president or the deputy and the emerging power dynamic is what is making them to rebel,” he said.
Odoyo claimed the Mountain had recruited the church and other institutions to help propel their agenda of reclaiming the political power and that is why it is restive and in protest mood.
He said the tirade and uprising orchestrated by the mountain is a smear campaign which is well-funded to help them achieve their political objectives.
Odoyo said Nyanza has realized the political trick by Mt Kenya and instead opted to act as a safe valve for the president who has been kind enough in the distribution of the national cake.
