Ruto tour Nyanzar despite clashes

President William Ruto has begun his working tour in Nyanza.Ruto began his tour in Nyando despite the tension in the area due to clashes that have left seven people dead.The clashes between two communities living along the border have so far claimed seven lives with some politicians from Luo Nyanza threatening to snub the president's tour.Ruto is in Nyando for the groundbreaking of Kabonyo Fisheries and Aquaculture Service and Training Centre.

The project is worth Sh1 billion and is aimed at enhancing food security, innovation, and employment in Fisheries and Aquaculture, benefiting thousands and contributing significantly to the Kenyan economy.Ruto is accompanied by Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o, CS Rebecca Miano and Eliud Owalo.Others include Interior PS Raymond Omollo and Leader of Majority Party in National Assembly Kimani Ichug'wah.

This is the second major and extensive development tour of the four Luo Nyanza counties since his election last year.The first of such a high-level tour was in January when he traversed Kisumu, Migori, Homa Bay and Siaya counties, commissioning development projects.The President will commission projects touching on various sectors including agriculture, MSME development, housing and settlement, universal health coverage and the Digital superhighway and creative economy.

During the tour, President Ruto will also engage with the residents of the region, meet farmers, and interact with local leaders.He will chair a cabinet meeting at the Kisumu State Lodge in Kisumu County.On Thursday, some Luo Nyanza leaders said they would give the tour a wide berth and focus on the clashes in Sondu."I have not been invited, so we are not aware of any planned activities, although people are free to visit any part of this country," said National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi.

On Thursday, Azimio called on the government to support families affected by violence in Sondu.Azimio in a statement on Thursday said the violence which has so far left seven people dead and others nursing serious injuries has had a huge impact on the livelihoods and economic activities in the area.Among the actions, the coalition wants the government to foot the bills of those who have been admitted in various hospitals after sustaining injuries/.

Azimio what it termed as the senseless murders and violence prevailing in Sondu adding that the violence is now taking a political dimension and breeding mistrust between residents.