KISUMU — In a move that surprised many and signalled rare political unity, Raila Odinga has donated five acres of family land in Kisumu to support President William Ruto’s affordable housing programme.
The land, located in the Kirembe area, will host part of a major construction effort aimed at easing the housing crisis in the lakeside city. According to President Ruto, the national government plans to invest KSh 3.5 billion on the site. The result? Roughly 1,000 new homes for local residents.
“This is a big step,” Ruto told a cheering crowd at Kirembe grounds on Thursday. “It shows that when we put politics aside, we can deliver for the people.”
Raila, long seen as Ruto’s political rival, stood beside him during the event. The two leaders even laid the foundation stone together for the new LV Marina housing units—another nearby development linked to the Odinga family.
“I want to support efforts that help ordinary Kenyans,” Raila said. “This land will be used to build homes, schools, hospitals—things that matter.”
Politics Meets People’s Needs
The donation is part of a larger housing push in Kisumu and surrounding areas. In total, the government aims to deliver 15,000 affordable housing units in the first phase. Another project, the Lumumba estate, is already underway and will reportedly benefit up to 2,000 people.
While the political tones were clear, the event centred more on development than division.
“We must stop the politics of hate,” said Ruto. “We cannot eat tribalism. What people need are jobs and homes.”
It’s a message that seemed to resonate with locals, many of whom gathered under the midday sun to witness the rare show of unity.
“This is what we want to see,” said Jane Atieno, a trader in Kisumu town. “Not fighting, just working together to make things better.”
Critics and Questions
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some observers warn that housing promises have come and gone before. Others worry about transparency in project funding and whether the homes will truly be affordable.
But for now, the focus seems to be on collaboration.
“Politics must serve the people,” Raila noted. “That’s why I’m here. To do my part.”
As bulldozers rev into action and cement is poured, Kisumu’s residents may soon witness what happens when long-time rivals choose to build, rather than battle.
