Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga failed to show up for the much-hyped tour of Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties as earlier announced by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party stalwarts.
Raila's tour of the two Nyanza Counties had promised a show of force that would have placed in him on cross-fires with President William Ruto who also visited the region, on the same afternoon.
However, the former Prime Minister disappointed thousands of his followers who had gathered in Kisumu County to listen to his speeches in the wake of ongoing anti-government protests.
Probably, in a kind show of respect, Raila decided to keep off the rally which was presided over by Kisumu County Governor Anyang Nyong'o.
"Thank you Kisumu for your commitment to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party and love to our Party Leader Rt. Hon Raila Odinga. I am confident that our party remains strong," Nyong'o told the crowd.
The well-attended rally was addressed by political figures from the Nyanza region, who called on their supporters to heed the voice of their party leader, Raila Odinga.
The leaders also asked their supporters to turn up in large numbers next week and protest against President William Ruto's government, noting that the economy had become unbearable.
Previous announcements indicated that Raila was also supposed to meet supporters and leaders from Homa Bay County, in a bid to solidify his base.
Less than 70 kilometres away, President Ruto was attending a thanksgiving ceremony for Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. The ceremony was held at Oriwo Boys High School in Kanyipir, Karachuonyo Constituency.
Ruto was the chief guest at the ceremony, which was also attended by a number of other high-profile guests, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and several Cabinet Secretaries.
In his speech, Ruto congratulated Omollo on his appointment as PS and wished him well in his new role. He also spoke about the importance of unity and cooperation in Kenya, and urged the people of Homa Bay to support the government's development agenda.
The thanksgiving ceremony was a major political event in Homa Bay, and it was seen as a sign of Ruto's attempt to counter Raila's anti-government protests by taking the political war to his doorstep.
During his visit, Ruto launched a multi-million Shilling digital technology laboratory which will be used by both students of Oriwo Boys' High School and local youth.
Strategically placed within the village, Jitume Digital Skills Laboratory is equipped with the latest technological applications which will help students and graduates access Information Communication and Technology (ICT) education.
"The facility which we have just opened will be used by young people in this region to help them acquire necessary skills and access the online job markets," President Ruto stated while at Oriwo Boys' High School.
Ruto asked young people to take advantage of the digital skill programmes rolled out by the Kenya Kwanza administration in order to turn around their lives, noting that job opportunities are accessible anywhere including the internet.
