Ruto, Raila open new chapter with first joint visit

President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga will begin their first joint tour of the Nyanza region on Saturday ( May 31), marking a historic moment since their ODM-UDA partnership.

The highlight of the visit will be the official handover of Phase 1 of the Lapfund Makasembo Affordable Housing Project in Kisumu.

This event will bring together the two leaders in a powerful show of unity aimed at fostering national inclusion and development.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o confirmed the visit and described the joint tour as a testament to bipartisan commitment to improving the lives of local residents.

"The presence of President Ruto and Raila Odinga at this handover is a powerful sign of unity and shared purpose in improving the lives of our people," Nyong’o said.

The housing project represents a major milestone, with 910 units completed under the government’s affordable housing program.

In addition to the handover, the event will feature the groundbreaking of Phase 3 of the Makasembo project, further reinforcing government investment in quality and affordable urban housing for Kisumu residents.

The development occupies 11.6 acres and, upon completion will offer 1,870 housing units and 1,754 parking spaces.

These units cater to different income levels, including low-cost and medium-cost homes, to make affordable housing accessible to more families in the county.

The project is also designed to support community needs with a kindergarten, daycare center, solar energy lighting, boreholes, landscaped green spaces, and high-speed lifts.

"I’m particularly excited the project includes a kindergarten and daycare centre to support working parents and nurture our young learners," said Governor Nyong’o.

The project is a holistic model for sustainable urban development that not only provides housing but also creates jobs and boosts the local economy.

Before arriving in Kisumu, President Ruto and Raila Odinga will visit Migori and Homa Bay for several engagements.

Ruto will meet grassroots leaders in Migori, while Raila will be the chief guest at a Blue Economy Conference in Homa Bay.

The tour will culminate at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay, where they will jointly celebrate Madaraka Day.