President William Ruto was warmly received during his state visit to Kisumu, marking the second leg of his tour of the Nyanza region.
After completing his first stop in Migori County, President Ruto arrived in Kisumu for an overnight stay.
Speaking to a large gathering of Kisumu residents who lined Oginga Odinga Street, waving white handkerchiefs, the President emphasized the need for national unity.
"I am surprised and pleased to see the peaceful nature of the Kisumu people," Ruto said during his first visit to the lakeside city since appointing three members of the ODM party to his inclusive government.
These appointees include John Mbadi as Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury, Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Wycliffe Oparanya (MSME Development).
Ruto reiterated his commitment to building a unified nation and called on the people of Nyanza to support his vision. "We are one people, one family. I urge you to join me in creating a united country," he stated.
The President also expressed his gratitude to ODM party leader Raila Odinga for supporting his efforts to form a broad-based government. "I helped Baba (Raila) before, and there's nothing wrong with him helping me lead the government now," Ruto noted.
Tomorrow, President Ruto is scheduled to travel to Homa Bay County for various development projects and to attend the homecoming celebration of the new Treasury Cabinet Secretary, John Mbadi. On Friday, he will visit Siaya County before wrapping up his tour in Kisumu over the weekend.
"I will be in Kisumu until this weekend to inaugurate development projects," Ruto announced.
While in Kisumu, the President plans to launch 10,000 affordable housing units, beginning with 4,000 units at Lumumba Estate on Saturday. He highlighted that the housing projects would generate thousands of jobs for local youth.