Home Politics Ruto Begins Nyanza Tour Ahead of Madaraka Day Festivities

Ruto Begins Nyanza Tour Ahead of Madaraka Day Festivities

By
Julius Kiprop
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“Saba Saba Is a Flame of Freedom, Not a License for Chaos” – Veteran Leader Speaks Out Mukhtasari Saba Saba marked as a day of sacrifice, not violence 7/7/1990 remembered for bold stand at Kamukunji Grounds Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia hailed as freedom icons Call to honour, not distort, the spirit of Saba Saba Warning against turning peaceful remembrance into clashes Not a Day for Violence A respected political elder has spoken firmly ahead of Monday’s Saba Saba commemorations, urging Kenyans to treat the day with the respect it deserves. He reminded the public that Saba Saba is not meant for riots, tire burnings, or street battles with police. “This day is soaked in the blood of patriots. It’s not a license for chaos,” he said. The True Meaning of 7/7 Recalling the historic events of July 7, 1990, the veteran pointed to Kamukunji Grounds as the cradle of Kenya’s multiparty revolution. He emphasized that the fight was for democracy, not destruction. “I didn’t sit with Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia to start a war — we sparked a revolution for dignity and pluralism,” he stated. Remember, Don’t Hijack He warned against using the occasion to incite violence or politicize the memory of those who fought for Kenya’s democratic freedoms. The struggle, he said, was already won at Kamukunji — now it’s time to guard that legacy. “The true battlefield was then. Today, we honour. Let us not twist Saba Saba into a circus of noise.” Honour the Flame, Not the Fight Calling for peace and reflection, the leader stressed that the true spirit of Saba Saba lives in the history and sacrifice — not in running battles or social media outrage. “The flame was lit at Kamukunji, not on the tarmac. Let’s keep it burning, not turn it into smoke.”
  • President Ruto arrives in Homa Bay ahead of Sunday’s Madaraka Day at Raila Odinga Stadium 
  • Launched road works in Magina and opened a new technical training college in Ndhiwa
  • Will attend the Blue Economy Conference and inspect more projects around the county
  • Local leaders and clergy have praised the visit as timely and meaningful
  • The tour shows the government’s efforts to reach all regions through development

President William Ruto has begun a multi-day working tour of Homa Bay County as preparations for the Madaraka Day celebrations enter their final stretch. The national event will take place this Sunday at the Raila Odinga Stadium.

Ruto started his visit in Ndhiwa Constituency on Thursday, where he launched the construction of the Gor Mahia Ring Road in Magina. He also officially opened the Ndhiwa Technical Training Institute (TTI) located in Kanyamwa Kologi Ward.

The projects are part of the national government’s broader focus on improving infrastructure and offering more skills development opportunities to the youth in rural areas.

Local Support Grows as More Projects Set for Launch

On Friday, the President will attend the closing of the Blue Economy Conference at Tom Mboya University. After that, he is expected to move across the county to inspect and launch other development projects that align with his administration’s agenda of inclusive growth.

Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino urged residents to come out in large numbers, noting that the tour is a chance to build unity and engage in constructive dialogue around development.

Religious leaders also backed the visit. Bishop Adede Ongola from Agano Ark Covenant Church praised the President, saying that the ongoing projects in Homa Bay are already bringing positive changes to the local economy.

As the country marks 61 years of self-rule, Ruto’s visit carries both a symbolic and practical message. It reflects his government’s continued push to reach every corner of the nation with real, on-the-ground development.

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