Homa Baykistan aftermath: Security Tightened in Nyanza Ahead of Ruto’s Four-Day Tour

Security has been heightened across Nyanza ahead of President William Ruto’s four-day tour of the region, with authorities saying additional measures have been put in place to ensure the visit proceeds peacefully.

Regional Commissioner Onesmus Kyatha said security agencies had intensified preparations ahead of the President’s visit, which begins on Sunday and will take him across all four counties in the Nyanza region.

Kyatha said Ruto is expected to inspect and launch several government development projects, with the tour focusing on programmes covering affordable housing, markets and road infrastructure.

“This is a working tour for the President. He will assess the progress of development projects across the region,” Kyatha said.

President expected to launch projects

In Kisumu, Ruto is expected to launch the Katito-Awasi road, among other development projects, and attend a church service at Voice of Salvation and Healing.

Kyatha said the President’s programme would provide an opportunity to assess the progress of ongoing government projects while interacting with residents across the region.

He also called on political leaders and officials engaging with young people to encourage them to maintain peace throughout the visit.

“To the leaders engaging the youths, this is a visit by the President. To the youths, let us welcome the President well. Those who misbehave will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.

The commissioner confirmed that security had been reinforced across the region.

“We have beefed up security,” Kyatha said.

Wanga calls for large turnout

ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga welcomed Ruto to Nyanza and urged residents to turn out in large numbers to receive him and witness the launch and opening of development projects.

“From Sunday to Thursday, the President will be here. We welcome the President to Nyanza. We have decided that we will not engage in tribalism or anything of that nature like the opposition. We are here with him and we welcome him,” Wanga said.

She urged residents to put aside political and tribal differences and give the President a warm reception during his tour.

“As people from this region who have been mobilised for long, we welcome him to open development projects and move the region forward,” she said.

“Come out in large numbers and welcome President William Ruto,” Wanga added.

Residents expect development impact

While the President’s tour is expected to showcase government projects, residents are also looking to use the visit to highlight challenges affecting their livelihoods.

Better roads, improved markets, business opportunities, employment and essential services are among the issues residents hope the government will address.

Businesswoman Josephine Wafula said traders were particularly interested in interventions that could make it easier for them to operate their businesses and increase their incomes.

“Business people want to see development that directly benefits us. We need better roads, improved markets and opportunities that will help small traders grow. When the President comes, we hope he will listen to the challenges facing ordinary business people,” Wafula said.

Mark Oluoch said residents welcomed the projects but wanted the government to ensure they were completed and delivered tangible benefits.

“We welcome the President and appreciate the projects coming to the region. But our expectation is that these projects should be completed and benefit the people. We want better roads, jobs for our young people and improved services for our communities,” Oluoch said.

He said residents would use the President’s visit to remind the government of the need to ensure development programmes translate into improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.