Suna West Member of Parliament Peter Masara has declared that the Luo community would rather support President William Ruto to complete his development agenda than back former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking at Bondo Nyironge Secondary School during the issuance of a school bus, Masara praised President Ruto for what he termed as a deliberate and inclusive development agenda targeting the Luo region despite the community overwhelmingly voting against him in the 2022 General Election.
The vocal legislator said the Head of State had demonstrated statesmanship by extending an olive branch to the Luo nation through infrastructure projects, education support, road construction and economic empowerment programs.
“We as the Luo nation would rather have President Ruto complete his legacy than vote for Rigathi Gachagua. Despite the fact that we never voted for him in the previous elections, he has done more for our people than we expected,” said Masara.
The MP accused Gachagua of engaging in divisive politics and promoting tribal chauvinism at a time when the country needs unity and national cohesion.
“President Ruto has embraced every part of Kenya through development and inclusive leadership. On the other hand, his political nemesis has continued to champion divisive and tribal politics that cannot unite the country,” he added.
Masara further noted that the Luo community had endured decades of political exclusion while fighting for democratic space in the country and should not allow itself to be dragged back into divisive politics.
“The time is long gone when the Luo community was struggling for democracy and political inclusion. It would beat logic for us to go back to the dark days of isolation and tribal politics after achieving the democratic freedoms we enjoy today,” he stated.
The lawmaker reiterated that members of the Orange Democratic Movement fraternity across the country were firmly behind the broad-based cooperation between ODM and the Kenya Kwanza administration and could not support Gachagua’s political course.
“No genuine ODM member can support Rigathi Gachagua after the kind of tribal tendencies he exhibited before his ouster from government. Kenyans need leaders who unite communities and champion development for all,” Masara maintained.
The MP also invoked the legacy of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, saying the Luo community remained committed to safeguarding the political direction charted by the ODM leader.
“We wanted to be in power and Raila Odinga eventually left us in safe hands. We shall continue carrying on with that legacy by supporting leaders who recognize and respect all communities,” he said.
Background on Ruto-Gachagua Fallout
The remarks come amid escalating political tensions between President Ruto and his former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, who have recently found themselves on opposing political paths as the race toward the 2027 General Election gains momentum.
Political analysts attribute the fallout to growing disagreements within the Kenya Kwanza coalition over succession politics, regional influence and government appointments.
Gachagua has increasingly positioned himself as a fierce critic of certain government policies while consolidating his support base through his newly formed DCP political outfit.
The former deputy president has been accused by critics of advancing ethnic-based mobilization politics, claims he has consistently denied.
However, a section of leaders allied to President Ruto argue that Kenya’s current political climate requires issue-based leadership and national unity rather than regional antagonism.
At the same time, ODM’s cooperation with President Ruto under the broad-based governance arrangement has significantly reshaped the country’s political landscape.
The broad-based alliance emerged after prolonged bipartisan engagements between the Kenya Kwanza administration and ODM following the anti-government protests witnessed in 2023 and early 2024.
The arrangement has seen several ODM-allied leaders work closely with the government on matters of national development, economic recovery and legislative reforms.
The political détente has also opened the door for increased government projects in the Luo Nyanza region, with leaders from the area increasingly warming up to President Ruto’s administration.
Masara’s latest remarks are expected to further intensify political realignments in the Nyanza region as leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
About the Author
