Nairobi City County Assembly Speaker, Hon. Ken Okeyo Ngondi, hosted President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga at his home in Rangwe, Homabay County.
This special meeting on Saturday, May 31, brought together two important leaders in Kenya’s politics who have a long history of working together and against each other.
While the visit seemed informal, some people believe it was a strategic move by Ng’ondi, Ruto, or Odinga to strengthen their influence in the Nyanza region as they prepare for the 2027 general elections.
Sources say the main purpose of the gathering was to encourage conversation about important issues, including the controversial Finance Bill 2025.
This meeting occurs after recent political changes, including Ruto and Odinga forming an unexpected partnership in 2024, where Odinga became involved in key government decisions and also ran for an African Union leadership position.
The gathering has received mixed responses online. Some Kenyans praised the leaders for promoting unity, while others questioned why they met behind closed doors.
Ngondi’s decision to host both leaders at his home shows how the relationships between Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration and Odinga’s opposition are changing. Homabay County will be hosting this year’s Madaraka Day.
In his statement, Ngondi expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is a great honor to host the two leaders at my home and to meet my mother. I appreciate this very much. We should also thank them for their effort to ensure that our region develops, so our people can benefit from the government.”
