Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has said Homa Bay remains firmly behind President William Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that the region has benefited from the Kenya Kwanza administration’s development and inclusion agenda.
Speaking at his Kanyipir home in Homa Bay on Sunday night, August 23, Omollo said the county’s political leadership, including the governor, senator and most Members of Parliament, had expressed support for Ruto.
He said the region should remain in the President’s camp until 2032, when Ruto’s second term would end if he wins the 2027 election.
“We are clear as one that we are under President Ruto until 2032 when he leaves office,” Omollo said.
Omollo cites development projects
The PS pointed to ongoing road construction and other government projects in Homa Bay as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.
He also dismissed claims that the Ruto administration has marginalised communities that did not vote for Kenya Kwanza in the 2022 election.
According to Omollo, the current administration has demonstrated greater inclusion by appointing people from different communities and extending development projects beyond areas that supported it politically.
“This is the only government that cares for a Luo. This is the only government that has inclusion of other tribes,” he said.
Omollo argued that previous administrations had often been accused of favouring regions that supported them during elections, saying the current government should instead be judged by the projects it has delivered.
One MP critical of Ruto
Omollo claimed that only one Member of Parliament from the region had remained critical of Ruto’s development record.
He accused the unnamed legislator of attempting to mislead residents about the government’s achievements.
The PS urged residents supporting the government to demonstrate their backing through civic participation, particularly by helping eligible citizens obtain identification documents and register as voters.
“We have to ask ourselves if we want to be part of it. The answer is yes,” he said.
He added that the government was working to address challenges affecting the issuance of identification documents and speed up the registration process.
Omollo challenges Ruto’s potential rivals
The PS also took aim at politicians positioning themselves to succeed Ruto, challenging them to demonstrate their records of service before seeking the support of Kenyans.
He mentioned former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, asking residents to assess what each had delivered for Homa Bay and the country.
“If it is former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, we should ask ourselves what he has done to our people in this region and Kenya as a whole. If it is Kalonzo Musyoka, what can be pointed out that he did?” Omollo asked.
He similarly challenged Sifuna to account for his record in Nairobi before seeking a bigger national political role.
Omollo said Ruto had “raised the bar on leadership”, arguing that voters should demand tangible records from politicians seeking elective office.
“Before electing any leader, they should pinpoint for us what exactly they have done,” he said.
Grassroots mobilisation
Omollo spoke during a consultative meeting with grassroots mobilisers involved in civic education activities across Homa Bay County.
The meeting focused on strengthening public awareness of government programmes, policies and development initiatives while encouraging residents to participate in civic affairs.
He urged the mobilisers to provide accurate information at the grassroots, help residents access government services and encourage eligible citizens to obtain identification documents and register as voters.
His remarks come as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Ruto’s allies and opposition politicians stepping up efforts to build support across key regions.
For Homa Bay, a stronghold of the opposition for years, Omollo’s remarks signal an attempt by the Kenya Kwanza administration to consolidate support in the county ahead of the next presidential contest.
Whether the claims of widespread support for Ruto translate into a significant political shift in Homa Bay will become clearer as the 2027 election approaches.
