President William Ruto received a thunderous, hero’s welcome in Kisumu on Friday, January 30, 2026, with thousands flooding the streets—especially in the bustling Kondele area—turning the city into a sea of cheering supporters, dancing crowds, and viral scenes that supporters hail as one of the most electrifying receptions in recent memory.
Dubbed “Shujaa Ruto Wuod Odongo” by ecstatic residents, the President’s motorcade was met with roaring cheers and packed roads that brought parts of Kisumu to a joyful standstill. Videos circulating online captured the festive energy, with many describing it as a clear sign of shifting political tides and growing unity ahead of 2027.
The high-octane visit underscored Ruto’s push for inclusive development in former opposition strongholds. He laid the foundation stone for Phase II of the Kanyakwar Affordable Housing Project (building on completed Phase I units) and spotlighted a sweeping transformation agenda for the county.
In a powerful address, Ruto declared: “We have a solid plan to transform Kisumu as part of our wider mission to transform the country to a first-world economy.”
Key highlights from his announcements include a massive Ksh44 billion commitment to Kisumu County:
– 14,000 affordable housing units to tackle the housing crisis head-on
– 20 modern markets to boost trade and livelihoods
– Student hostels for 10,200 learners
These initiatives alone are expected to generate jobs for over 15,000 young people, injecting fresh economic momentum into the region.
Adding to the infrastructure blitz: an extra Ksh5 billion earmarked for county-wide roads and Ksh950 million to upgrade Moi Stadium into a world-class venue—set to host this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations in December.
Ruto expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support, praising the “energy and faith” of Kisumu residents while calling for national unity over division. He reiterated that Kenyans want “development, prosperity, and opportunity that reaches every household and neighbourhood.”
While critics like Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina cautioned that “crowds don’t vote,” the sheer scale of the turnout and concrete project deliveries have ignited nationwide buzz about Ruto’s growing traction in Nyanza—and what it could mean for Kenya’s political landscape moving forward.
As the dust settles on this landmark visit, one thing is clear: Kisumu’s embrace signals big momentum for the Bottom-up agenda.
