Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leaders in Kericho have backed President William Samoei Ruto’s development agenda, expressing their readiness to welcome him to work with his administration in the spirit of broad-based government arrangement.
Kericho County ODM Chair Ann Chepkwony told KNA that the party appreciates national government projects, including affordable housing, modern markets, stadiums, the SGR, roads and other infrastructure, saying they are driving county growth and creating opportunities for residents.
Ms Chepkwony said the ODM leadership appreciates the President’s willingness to work across political lines, noting that the broad-based government has created an opportunity for leaders from different parties to contribute to the country’s development agenda.
She said ODM members in Kericho are ready to work with the administration under the broad-based arrangement, supporting projects that improve residents’ lives and promote the county’s development.
Chepkwony also called for greater inclusion of ODM members in the county’s development programmes, saying recognition and participation would strengthen the spirit of cooperation and allow more residents to benefit from the opportunities created through the broad-based government.
Chepkwony also urged residents to view the President’s engagement with Kericho as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue between political leaders and the community, saying continued consultation would help identify local priorities and ensure development efforts respond to the needs of residents.
“We are already aware of several projects the President may visit. We assure His Excellency of our continued support through to the next General Election in August 2027. We will work with UDA in this regard, and we say to the President: two terms” added Ms. Chepkwony
Meanwhile, ODM Kipkelion West Sub-County Branch Chair Zablon Cheruiyot said the party welcomed the President’s development efforts and looked forward to his engagement with Kericho residents during his anticipated visit.
Cheruiyot acknowledged that Kericho is traditionally considered a UDA stronghold but said ODM remains an active political presence in the county, urging the President to extend the same goodwill to ODM members that the late Raila Odinga demonstrated.
The call for inclusivity was echoed by Wilfred Kurgat, the Kericho County ODM Organising Secretary, who welcomed the broad-based government arrangement and urged that its spirit be felt beyond the national government.
Kurgat said ODM members would feel more included if opportunities and recognition were extended to them at the county level, while calling for stronger engagement between ODM and UDA leaders to deepen cooperation.
The leaders further expressed their willingness to work with UDA towards President Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election, saying their support extends from the party leadership to grassroots members.
Among the few issues they want addressed is the completion of key local projects, particularly the Kericho Green Stadium and Kerenga Airport, which they believe could add to the county’s development.
ODM member Vincent Korir also called for greater attention to Kericho’s environment and water resources, urging the President to strengthen efforts through agencies such as the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and the Water Resources Authority (WRA) to protect the county’s natural resources.
By Kibe Mburu and Fidel Ochieng
