Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Homa Bay Town lawmaker Peter Kaluma on Sunday, October 2, confirmed that they will skip President William Ruto's event in the area.
In a statement, Wanga extended a warm welcome to the Head of State noting that she was unable to participate since she was away on official duties.
She further noted that she had travelled to Mombasa but assured Ruto of welcome from residents as he marks his first visit to the Nyanza County since becoming President.
"I wish to extend a warm welcome to the President on behalf of the great people of Homa Bay and request him to feel at home. I'm however out of the county on official duty and will therefore be unable to join HE for the church service and have communicated the same to His Excellency.
“The people of Homa Bay have a culture of great hospitality and will warmly receive The President as he visits to pray with us," she shared.
Kaluma, on the other hand, confirmed his absence blaming it on communication mishaps between the office of the President and local leaders.
He argued that he would have purposed to attend should the communication have been made early.
"Just got information that President William Ruto will be in Homa Bay today. Welcome. I'm unable to be with you due to lack of means.
"Let there be better coordination in future so that the MP whose Constituency you're visiting has information and is available to receive you," stated Kaluma.
Both the two leaders are strong allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and clinched their respective seats under Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, a stronghold in the county.
They have also openly opposed Ruto's win, maintaining that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission - IEBC, bungled the elections.
Ruto arrived at the AIC church for a service a few minutes to 10 a.m. and was accompanied by his ICT CS nominee Eliud Owalo, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and Education PS Julius Jwan.
Other leaders at the service are Dr Raymond Omolo, David Ochieng, Zachary Obado, Jack Ranguma, Dalmas Otieno, Ken Obura, Fred Outa and Martin Ogindo among others.
