President William Ruto, currently on a working tour of the Nyanza region, received an unusual yet symbolic gift in Homa Bay County on Thursday — a massive fish, locally known as “Mbuta.” The presentation of this gift came immediately after the President had finished his address to the residents of Homa Bay town.
The fish was given to President Ruto by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who is among the ODM leaders accompanying him on his tour. The gesture was both a symbolic and cordial exchange, highlighting the significance of the fishing industry to the local community and reflecting the goodwill extended towards the President during his visit.
A Gesture of Hospitality
As Governor Wanga took to the stage, she introduced the gift to the President with a sense of humor and local pride, saying, “Your Excellency, hio samaki ni Mbuta, ukule vizuri sana na tunashukuru.” Translated to English, her words mean, “That fish is called Mbuta. Eat it well, and we are very grateful.” The gesture was met with applause from the crowd, showcasing the friendly rapport between the local leadership and the President.
The significance of the gift was not lost on President Ruto, who responded by giving the owner of the fish an unspecified amount of money in appreciation. The exchange underscored the importance of local customs and culture in Kenyan politics, where symbolic gestures like this play a role in fostering mutual respect and understanding between national and local leaders.
Ruto’s Four-Day Tour of Nyanza Region
The presentation of the Mbuta fish was just one of the highlights of President Ruto’s visit to Homa Bay, which is part of a broader four-day working tour of the Nyanza region. The tour commenced on Wednesday, with an extensive visit to Migori County, where the President launched several development projects aimed at improving infrastructure and boosting local economies.
Following his visit to Migori, the President proceeded to Kisumu County, where he continued his mission to engage with local leaders and residents, and address regional developmental concerns. On Thursday morning, Ruto arrived in Homa Bay and immediately got down to business by launching the Oyugis Water Project. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit the residents of Kabondo Kasipul and Kasipul by providing a reliable and accessible supply of clean water.
Speaking during the launch, President Ruto noted the rapid growth of Homa Bay and emphasized the need for an adequate supply of water to meet the increasing demand. “Homa Bay is growing fast and requires a reliable and accessible supply of over 120 million liters of water daily,” he said. The Oyugis Water Project is anticipated to play a crucial role in meeting this demand and improving the quality of life for the people of Homa Bay.
Building Bridges in Nyanza
The tour, which marks the second day of President Ruto’s planned four-day visit to the Nyanza region, underscores his commitment to fostering unity and development across the country, irrespective of political affiliations. Ruto has made it a priority to engage directly with residents and local leaders, including those from opposition parties like ODM. Accompanying him on the Homa Bay tour were several key figures from ODM, including Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and Governor Gladys Wanga, among others.
The presence of these leaders alongside the President demonstrates a shared commitment to regional development, transcending political divides. President Ruto’s engagements in Homa Bay and other parts of the Nyanza region highlight a broader strategy of inclusive governance and cooperation with all stakeholders to achieve national development objectives.
Conclusion
As President Ruto continues his working tour in Nyanza, his interactions with local communities and leaders, such as the symbolic exchange of the Mbuta fish, are a testament to the importance of cultural sensitivity and mutual respect in Kenyan politics. The tour is expected to conclude on Saturday, with more projects slated for launch and further engagements with local communities in the coming days.
