It is the first month of the year and Njaanuary has already hit the Country. Could it be one of the reasons as to why Deputy President William Ruto is massively winning political support from Western region of Kenya?
On the Second Day of Njaanuary, political leaders from Western region allied to DP Ruto converged at his Surgoi home. The leaders included Members of Parliament and County Assemblies from Bungoma and Busia Counties.
The DP is using politicians, clergymen and teachers to push his way into Western Kenya.
After the handshake between Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga in March last year, Ruto has stepped up his efforts to win over Western Kenya leaders.
His key allies and point men assured him massive political support in the region. Are they just after Ruto’s handouts? Well, the key allies who are now leading other allies towards Ruto include Ken Lusaka, former Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, his Sirisia counterpart John Waluke and Sports CS Rashid Echesa. Others are Mumias East MP Ben Washiali, Navakholo’s Emmanuel Wangwe, Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani), Moses Malulu (Malava) and Dan Wanyama (Webuye West).
Bungoma woman representative Catherine Wambilianga , MPs Moses Mabonga (Bumula) and Omboko Milemba of Emuhaya are in his camp.
Washiali said Western region was shifting from the politics of handouts and empty promises to one that is focused on the betterment of the lives of people, but is it so?
“This development that we aspire to have will come from the partnerships and working engagements from leaders with people’s interest at heart,” he said.
Mabonga said they were united in supporting Ruto as President Kenyatta’s successor in 2022, noting that the region’s development plan had been stained by its historical ties with Opposition politics.
Milemba said he would continue working closely with the government for the benefit of his people.