Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o has lauded President William Ruto's partnership with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying it has started bearing political and economic fruits.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 4, Nyong'o claimed that the partnership between the two leaders will be pivotal in reinforcing national unity and development.
The governor stressed that Ruto and Raila should continue holding more joint tours across the country to catalyse inclusivity in the country.
"We wholeheartedly support the decision by President Ruto and Raila Odinga to work together in the interest of national unity and development," the governor said.
He added, "As a county, we stand firmly behind the vision outlined in the recently signed MoU that underpins the broad-based government. We celebrate the peace, unity, and renewed sense of hope that this partnership has inspired across the country."
The county chief has further expressed his gratitude to the president for initiating key projects in the county, such as the affordable housing project, major road and air transport projects, among others, which he said will play a key role in propelling his county's economic and social wellbeing.
"Our appreciation extends further to President Ruto for the broad portfolio of development projects his administration has initiated in Kisumu County, many of which are progressing steadily toward completion," he said.
Nyong'o was among the leaders who expressed doubt after Raila and Ruto, who were for a long time fierce political rivals, joined forces.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 22, the governor criticised the national government for what he termed as undermining and neglecting county-level governance.
"The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERA) need not exist if the national government is prepared to fully implement devolution," Nyong'o said.
On Friday, March 7, President Ruto and Raila left tongues wagging after they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would see the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) work together.
Among the key agreements reached between the two leaders are the full implementation of the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report, addressing youth unemployment, and the implementation of the two-thirds gender rule.
Through the agreement, the two leaders also pledged to enhance inclusivity among Kenyans regardless of their religion and political affiliations.
