Ruto Pledges To Honor Raila’s Legacy As Broad-Based Coalition Moves Forward In Kisumu

President William Ruto has reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside ODM leaders and supporters to sustain the development legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, describing his administration as a vehicle to fulfill their shared national vision.

Speaking at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Mamboleo, Kisumu, on Sunday, September 13, President Ruto framed the ruling UDA and ODM as formal collaborators under the broad-based government arrangement rather than political rivals. Acknowledging the difficulty of replacing Raila’s stature, Ruto—describing himself as a student of the former Prime Minister—assured the Nyanza region that key national initiatives would remain aligned with Raila’s long-standing priorities.

The Head of State outlined several flagship projects he credited to Raila’s influence, including the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Narok through to Kisumu and the national housing scheme aimed at expanding urban shelter while generating employment for young people. He also highlighted healthcare and economic reforms, such as broadening universal health coverage through the Social Health Authority (SHA)—which has enrolled 34 million Kenyans—alongside targeted agricultural subsidies, including KSh 2,000 fertilizer, to support the sugar, coffee, and tea sub-sectors.

Ruto also defended his administration’s macroeconomic record, stating that despite inheriting high inflation and debt burdens four years ago, fiscal stabilization efforts have elevated Kenya to the sixth-largest economy in Africa.

Accompanying the President, ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga affirmed the party’s unity and commitment to the broad-based government framework. Wanga stated that the tangible development projects delivered across Luo Nyanza justify the partnership, dismissing calls from critics to abandon the coalition arrangement.