Luo Students at TUK Declare Support for President Ruto, Call for Political Shift from ODM

 By Jameson Mutua 

A group of university students from the Luo community has publicly declared support for President William Ruto, urging the community to reconsider its long-standing political loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and instead embrace what they describe as a "new era of partnership and progress" under the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking at a student-led forum at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK), Moses Okal, who introduced himself as the convener of the group “Luo-Procident TUK,” said it was time for the Luo community to “get realistic” about its political future and align with the government for development.

“All politics is local,” Okal began, stressing that while political movements and decisions are often shaped at the national level, their impact is felt most directly at the community level.

“President Ruto and his government have been good to our community and our counties. We need to stick with him now and into the future,” he said.

Okal cited ongoing infrastructure projects across Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori, and Siaya counties—including roads, fish landing sites, electricity expansion, stadium upgrades, and revival of port facilities—as evidence of the administration’s commitment to the region.

He further praised the appointment of Luo professionals to key government positions, arguing that it marked a shift from past marginalization experienced under previous regimes.

“Our parents who have been victims of ridicule and exclusion since independence now see hope,” said Okal. “We are proud of our sons and daughters serving in government, and we condemn the likes of Edwin Sifuna and Bonny Khalwale for subjecting them to public mockery.”

The students warned against any attempts to pull the Luo community out of what they called a “Broad-Based Government,” asserting that such moves would only sow division and undermine opportunities for the region.

“We urge our people to support and stand with Ruto today and into the future. Whoever means well for the Luo nation must immediately drop the madness of pulling out,” Okal stated.

In a pointed message to ODM, the students called on the party to “separate its affairs from the destiny of the Luo nation,” claiming that equating the party’s interests with those of the community was misleading and counterproductive.

“Long before ODM, the Luo were here. The Luo will be here long after ODM,” Okal said, drawing comparisons with how other communities, such as the Kikuyu and Kalenjin, have managed to ascend to power beyond former dominant political parties like KANU.

The group concluded by declaring their readiness to campaign actively in support of Ruto’s government and policies in the region, positioning themselves as a new generation seeking a shift from traditional political alignments.

Their statement comes amid rising tensions between ODM loyalists and leaders from Nyanza who have taken up roles in President Ruto’s administration—tensions that have sparked heated debate over the region’s political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.