President William Ruto, Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili and Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko in Kisumu on January 30, 2026./FAITH MATETE
President William Ruto has made a personal appeal for national unity, urging leaders of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to enter negotiations to form the next government.
Speaking to residents at Kisumu Kondele Roundabout and Kisumu Stage on Friday, Ruto engaged locals directly, asking if they supported talks between the two parties. The crowd responded enthusiastically, chanting slogans backing the move.
“I want to make a personal appeal. Let us come together and have negotiations between ODM and UDA to form a coalition and build the next government. The two parties should talk and agree on how to move the country forward,” Ruto said.
The president called for an end to tribalism, discrimination, and hatred, stressing that a coalition between the two parties will bring an end to all this.
He further noted that leadership should be judged by development records rather than rhetoric, giving an example of his opponents who have nothing to show.
Ruto described himself as a builder of governments, asserting that opponents lacking vision and development achievements will eventually exit the political scene.
“My opponents have no plans, no vision, no agenda, and no development achievements.
The people of Kisumu know this very well,” he added, asserting that on election day, his opponents would be defeated early.
“They will go home, early in the morning, they will have all been defeated,” he said.
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili they appreciate everything that the President is doing for the people of Kisumu.
“ We have agreed to give Oburu the mandate to work with you, Mr. President, to form the next government”,he said
He added, “We thank you for deciding to build a bridge of development, peace and unity. We truly appreciate all that you are doing in bringing the country together “.
Nyando MP Jared Okello praised the president, saying his goodwill had strengthened government support in the region.
“We are not going anywhere, Mr President. We are in government, and we are here to stay,” Okello said.
Kisumu Central MP Joshua Oron assured Ruto of continued support, revealing that ODM party leader Oburu Oginga had been mandated to engage UDA for a unified government.
“Kisumu has given party leader Oburu the go-ahead to engage with you and negotiate to form the next government,” Oron said.
Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu urged the president to “lead the people to Canaan,” signalling strong regional backing for the coalition talks.
Ruto’s appeal comes five days after Luo leaders formally endorsed ODM’s decision to initiate structured talks with UDA, giving Oburu Oginga a mandate to engage the government in pursuit of national stability and community development.
The forum backed ODM’s Central Committee resolution to begin structured engagements with like-minded political parties, starting with UDA.
Leaders emphasised that the consultations would be issue-based, focusing on development priorities rather than political expediency, with the goal of promoting inclusivity and advancing the community’s interests in national affairs.
Ruto’s visit signals a push to bridge political divides ahead of the next elections, emphasizing strategic negotiations, unity, and development as key pillars for the country’s future.