President William Ruto has pledged to collaborate closely with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders and supporters to carry forward the development legacy of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, committing to keep his vision for Kenya alive.
Speaking at the Voice of Salvation and Healing Church in Mamboleo, Kisumu, President Ruto acknowledged the void left by the former prime minister while outlining a path forward through unity and national development.
“It may not be possible to replace the late Raila Odinga, but we can work to make sure that his legacy is carried on in the development of our nation,” Ruto stated.
Describing himself as a student of the late opposition chief, the president reassured ODM supporters of his continued partnership.
“I want to assure you that as a student of the late Raila Odinga, I will walk with you,” Ruto added. “ODM and UDA are not competitors but rather collaborators, and I will ensure his legacy lives on.”
Addressing his return to Kisumu, President Ruto reflected on his administration’s performance over the past four years, citing economic recovery despite inheriting significant debt and inflation. He noted that fiscal stabilization measures have positioned Kenya’s economy as the sixth largest in Africa.
The president also listed several flagship projects aligned with Odinga’s vision, pointing to major progress in national road networks and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line from Narok through to Kisumu.
He also named the expansion of affordable housing as a key driver for youth employment and improved living standards. Beyond infrastructure, Ruto detailed key agricultural reforms, including subsidizing fertilizer to Sh2,000 alongside targeted interventions in the sugar, coffee, and tea sectors.
“There are three things that the late Raila Odinga would be proud of. One is the Standard Gauge Railway, which has started from Narok to Kisumu. Another programme is the creation of jobs through the housing project,” he said.
On the social front, he cited stabilization in the education sector and the rapid scaling of universal health coverage, with 34 million Kenyans now registered under the Social Health Authority (SHA), compared to roughly 8 million under the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga reaffirmed the party’s unity, declaring that ODM remains firmly committed to the broad-based government framework.
“We as ODM are standing as one, and nothing is going to divide us, no matter what,” Wanga stated, pointing to ongoing development projects across Luo Nyanza as clear justification for the political partnership. She dismissed external calls to alter course, warning against political distractions.
“The kind of developments we have seen in Luo Nyanza are reason enough to be in the broad-based government. Tomorrow you will see why we stand as a community. People who are trying to give us mixed signals are people we are not going to listen to, no matter what,” she said.
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