Aasai

Homa Bay COUNTY, which for many years has been the center of rebel politics, has turned into an empire and a new home for President William Ruto as the politics of the 2027 general election continues to deteriorate. At this time, when the President is in the Integrated Government with ODM Leader Raila Odinga, he has been visiting the county regularly and promoting himself; the number of all visits, including sailing, official, and political events, is more than 10.

The visits have already raised allegations that Governor Gladys Wanga may be his running mate in the next general election. Since visiting Homa Bay for the first time as president in October 2022 and February 2025, the President has been in the county six times for official business.“I am grateful that I have returned to Homa Bay, a county that has great potential in various fields.

“As we celebrate the fruits of devolution, Homa Bay is an example of that success,” said the President when he opened the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, on Wednesday. He seemed to be at home’ in Homa Bay, where he arrived on Tuesday and even met with female leaders at the small Homa Bay Palace.

The palace was built by the government for the celebration of Madaraka Day this year. President Ruto visited Homa Bay for the first time on October 2, 2022, where he attended a service at the African Inland Church in Homa Bay. In January 2023, he returned to Homa Bay to launch low-cost housing construction projects in addition to launching Homa Bay market construction.

In July of that year, the countrys leader was at the home of the Secretary in the Ministry of Internal Security, Raymond Omollo, Kanyipir Karachuonyo constituency, with a prayer of thanks. Later in October, he visited Mfangano Island, where he also visited Victory Sindos farms before opening a UDA office in Homa Bay.

In August 2024, President Ruto was in Homa Bay, where he promised to make the town one of the cities in the country.“We plan to make Homa Bay a city and I will make sure that happens,” said President Ruto.“My administration is working hard to ensure that all sectors and all branches of the economy in Homa Bay flourish. This includes energy, water supply, roads, business, and the completion of Raila Odingas stadium,” added.

During the visit, he inspected the construction of the Homa Bay fish market.“I will return in December to open this market, and electricity will be connected to ensure farmers do their business without any problem,” said President Ruto.

In December 2024, President Ruto returned to Homa Bay, accompanied by Nyanza political figure, Mr Odinga, to attend the Governors Cup football tournament known as Genowa. The visits to Homa Bay now exceed the number that his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, visited the county for the 10 years he was in power.

President Uhuru, who loved Kisumu County the most, did not reach that number of visits in the four years since he agreed with Mr Odinga through handshakes. In February this year, President Ruto was the

guest of honor at the second International Conference on Investment in the County at Tom Mboya University.“It is very difficult to hate (Governor) Starch. I had nowhere to hide. I will return next year for the Heroes celebrations,” said President Ruto.

He kept that promise when he returned four months later for another visit to Madaraka Deis celebration. Yesterday, Governor Wanga said President Rutos visits to the county have helped in completing various development projects, and others are still coming. In Mr Odingas stronghold of Luo Nyanza, President Ruto seems to have staunch defenders, as well as Homa Bay, who have been insisting that the area is not ready to leave the Integrated Government.