Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has defended President William Ruto’s tour of the Nyanza region.
In a statement on Saturday, October 7, Prof Nyong’o explained that Ruto was welcomed in Nyanza as the President of the Republic of Kenya and not as United Democratic Alliance (UDA) leader on a campaign trail.
Further, the governor dismissed claims that President Ruto’s visit is an indication that former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has lost control of the Nyanza region.
“Nandi Senator, Samson Cherargai has been quoted in a section of media saying that the warm welcome accorded to President Ruto in Nyanza shows that the political influence of Raila Amolo Odinga is waning in this region,” said Nyong’o.
Secondly, Nyong’o said it is the culture of the Luo nation to always be hospitable to visitors and President Ruto was no exception.
Additionally, Nyong’o said such utterances by the UDA politicians is reckless and unfortunate especially at this time when President Ruto is visiting the ODM strongholds.
“Let me warn UDA leaders like Cherargei that their loose and irresponsible utterances to advance their parochial political interests are not only provocative but also primitive,” stated Nyong’o.
The Kisumu Governor stated that ODM party condemns such utterances and asked UDA leaders to stop such a political culture.
Also, he said Raila draws support from all Kenyans adding that the UDA party has no place in the Nyanza region.
“Let it be known that the people of Kenya support Raila Amolo Odinga as our leader and crusader for the Second liberation of this nation, so does the Nyanza region where UDA does not exist,” added Nyong’o.
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Cherargei – Nyong’o War
Taking to his X account, Senator Cherargei acknowledged the reception of the letter written by Prof Nyong’o.
“I have noted the contents of this pedestrian letter of Mr. Nyongo to me with utter suprise in the era of democracy, free speech, and freedom of political choices,” said Cherargei.
Further, he accused Prof Nyong’o of promoting the politics of cultism despite being an elder and an accomplished academic.
“It is unfortunate that you perpetrate politics of cultism and hero worship which you have been a victim before in your political career. It is called Odingaism cult against democratic principles,” the Senator wrote.
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“As an elder you should be leading your community to shake off this shackle of political patronage of Odingaism. Sadly, you are not!” he added.
Senator Cherargei accused the governor of doing nothing to alleviate the suffering of Kisumu residents.
Furthermore, he claimed that Governor Nyong’o was using taxpayers’ money to type the letter and continuing to preside over massive underdevelopment in Kisumu County.
