At Kondele which is nationally known for explosive politics Dr. Ruto received a rousing welcome with crowds marvelling at his newfound wisdom since the formation of the broadbased government.
The president was also candid and he told the residents that although they had previously shown vigorous animosity to his brand of leadership he was now amenable to working with leaders from the region.
“We will now walk together with all leaders to transform our country. In this journey, Kondele in Kisumu will not be left behind.”
The president expressed his gratitude to the people of Kondele for rallying behind the broad-based Government and said it was now time to work together and get results, not time for Maandamano and empty rhetoric.
It was a well-executed publicity stunt as a stopover in Kondele was not in the official presidential itinerary. Dr. Ruto appears to put behind him all the ferocious opposition he has been receiving from residents of Luo Nyanza in the past. The Kondele community also appeared hospitable and openly jubilant as they put behind them ugly memories such as that of Baby Pendo who died from a hail of police bullets in Manyatta area of Kondele.
The president then proceeded to Nyando Constituency where he commissioned the Nyabondo Trauma Centre and is currently back in Kisumu Central laying the foundation stone for the construction of the 2,384-unit Lumumba Estate Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu Central, Kisumu County.
The president made a brief stopover at the main Kisumu Matatu Stage next to Oile Market where he addressed travellers briefly.
Meanwhile, Kenyans on X are holding divergent views over the multitude of promises made by the President on his four-day Nyanza development tour.
Some claim that they are just the usual conglomeration of empty promises while others envisage a new chapter in the history of the nation.