President William Ruto on Tuesday, March 24, said he and Siaya Governor James Orengo had agreed to work together despite their political differences.
Ruto spoke in Siaya during the groundbreaking of the Isenge Pier, a multi-million project aimed at boosting economic activity in the region.
He said the move was meant to focus on development instead of politics.
“Listen. We have agreed with James Orengo that we serve the people first. ‘Wantam’ or ‘Tutam’ will be decided by Kenyans, but for now, we will work together,” Ruto said.
Governor Orengo also welcomed the President but made it clear that his political stand had not changed.
“We have welcomed you as the President of Kenya to Siaya County. I have my own politics, but I request that you keep coming back to Siaya,” Orengo said.
However, Orengo did not speak for long after part of the crowd became restless and started chanting “Ruto” and “Tutam.”
Earlier, Ruto said he was not afraid of the opposition or those pushing the ‘Wantam’ slogan.
He said he was ready to face them in the next election.
The President was joined by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, Treasury CS John Mbadi, and local MPs.
This was the first time Ruto and Orengo appeared together in public after recent tensions, including claims by Orengo that his aides had been arrested before the President’s Nyanza tour.
