A section of student leaders from the Luo Nyanza region has publicly declared its support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid, calling on the Luo community to rally behind his administration without attaching conditions to their political support.


Speaking during a media briefing, the student leaders defended Ruto’s performance, arguing that his administration had initiated several development programmes and demonstrated a track record they consider commendable compared to previous regimes.


Among the leaders present were Students Organisation of Maseno University (SOMU) Chairperson Philian Onyango, SOMU Secretary General Samuel Arunga, SOMU Treasurer Pauline Ruth, and Nairobi Aviation College Chairperson Hillary Orwa.


The leaders maintained that the Luo community should reconsider its political position and recognise what they described as the benefits of working closely with the current administration. They urged residents of the region to support President Ruto unconditionally, insisting that political cooperation should be guided by development interests rather than political demands.


They also expressed appreciation to the President for appointing several leaders from the region to influential government positions. Those mentioned included Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi and John Mbadi, whose appointments they described as significant steps towards enhancing the region's representation in government.


However, the student leaders openly differed with the position taken by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly its conditions for supporting President Ruto. They argued that the region should not limit its political engagement to negotiations and demands but should instead embrace what they view as opportunities presented by the current administration.


Their remarks come amid growing political discussions surrounding the future of Luo Nyanza's political direction and the possibility of shifting political alliances ahead of the next General Election.


The declaration is likely to spark debate among students, political leaders and residents of the region, particularly within ODM strongholds, where the question of supporting Ruto's re-election continues to generate differing opinions.