By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with EMOJONG OSERE
Published on 2024-01-20 14:27:07
Raila emerged victorious in Busia during the August 2022 general elections, defeating Ruto with 226,042 votes (81.68 per cent) as compared to Ruto’s 48,801 votes (17.63 per cent) out of a registered voter population of 416,818, as reported by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Additionally, the ODM chief has a strong parliamentary representation in the county with six MPs from the Orange party, including Oku Kaunya (Teso North), Geoffrey Odanga (Matayos), Joseph Oyula (Butula), Raphael Wanjala (Budalang’i), Wilberforce Mudenyo (Funyula), and woman representative Catherine Omamyo. On the other hand, Ruto’s UDA party has one MP, Mary Emaase from Teso South. Geoffrey Mulanya from Nambale was elected as an independent candidate for his first term as MP.
During his visit, the President is expected to take advantage of the unfavorable reception that Raila received in the county on Monday, to position himself as an alternative to the ODM chief ahead of the 2027 General Elections. Additionally, the President may use his advantage as the head of state to unveil strategic development projects during the visit in an effort to win the hearts of residents as the country’s major political parties, ODM and UDA, kick off the race to register members.
The tour will primarily focus on the Teso sub-region and is expected to be attended by elected leaders as well as Busia residents currently working in President Ruto’s administration. Notable individuals who are expected to be present include Governor Otuoma, Arthur Osiya, Principal Administrative Secretary in the Executive Office of the President, Sports Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Principal Secretary Susan Mangeni, Nacada Chief Executive Officer Anthony Omerikwa, and General Manager in charge of Infrastructure at the Kenya Ports Authority Vincent Sidai, among others. MPs Kaunya and Emaase are also expected to play a significant role in welcoming the President.
During his previous tour of the county on August 26, 2023, when he commissioned the Mulukhoba Fish Landing site in Budalang’i, Ruto emphasized that he was the President of all Kenyans and would initiate development projects in all regions of the country regardless of the voting patterns of the residents.
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