Why Governor Nyong'o Has Warned Senator Cherargei

Kisumu governor Anyang' Nyong'o has taken on UDA politicians who believe President William Ruto's kingly reception in Nyanza indicates waning of Raila Odinga's influence.

Senator Samson Cherargei of Nandi had claimed Ruto was gaining ground if the reception he got on the first day of his working tour would be something to go by.

Reacting to such appraisal, Nyong'o stated Nyanza remains Raila's political base, adding that the Nyanza locals are always hospitable to visitors.

He termed Cherargei's sentiments as inaccurate and primitive.

"Samson Cherargei has been quoted in a section of media saying that the warm welcome accorded to President Ruto in Nyanza shows that the political influence of Raila Amolo Odinga is waning in this region. This is reckless and unfortunate statement. Nothing could be further from the truth," said Nyong'o.

The governor explained that the president's visit to Nyanza was in his capacity as the head of state and not a politician, implying it was wrong to assess things using political lens.

"Ruto was welcomed as the President of the Republic of Kenya, not as UDA leader on a campaign trail," he said.

Nyong'o went ahead to warn Cherargei and his ilk that their loose and irresponsible utterances to advance their parochial political interests were not only provocative but also backdated.

"We in ODM wish to denounce such utterances and ask UDA leaders to stop this political culture, especially at this time when President Ruto is visiting the ODM strongholds," said Nyong'o.

Ruto is in Luo-Nyanza, known to be Raila's political bastion, for a working tour that began on Friday, October 6.

He began the visit in Siaya county where he was accompanied by local leaders, led by Governor James Orengo, to commission development projects.