Western Governor Heckled, Chased Off Dias While With Ruto
On Wednesday, January 22, Vihiga County residents heckled their governor in front of President William Ruto.
Ruto, who is on a development tour in Western Kenya, took an unexpected detour to Luanda to launch the Luanda Modern Market.
While in Luanda, Ruto was accompanied by Vihiga Governor Wilber Ottichilo, and the two spoke to a crowded market.
However, Governor Ottichilo was mortified when the crowd turned hostile when he was given the microphone to speak, loudly voicing their displeasure.
In a video shared online, the governor openly faced rejection in front of Ruto, with the mob shouting down his attempts to speak.
“On behalf of the people of Luanda, I would like to send my appreciation..” Governor Ottichilo told the crowd before being completely overwhelmed by jeers. He eventually gave up and walked away.
While it is unknown why Vihiga people were enraged by their governor’s appearance, it could be related to the demolition of shops the day before Ruto’s visit.
Even the leaders accompanying William Ruto are unwanted in their own backyard, vihiga County Governor otichilo had a hard time talking to his people. We are draining the swap from Bungoma County, kakamega County, and vihiga. RUTO'S tour is meaningless.
— Ladybug News collection (@Goldfield6) January 22, 2025
Budalangi, wamunyoro,Aoko pic.twitter.com/xnk5MGK6vP
On Tuesday, hundreds of Luanda citizens counted their losses after their businesses were destroyed to fund the construction of a new market.
Disgruntled traders were sure that the county administration was uprooting their source of income because they had not been offered an alternate location to conduct their business prior to the demolition.
The shopkeepers also wanted compensation from Ottichilo’s administration, claiming that the destruction of their businesses resulted in enormous property losses.
Meanwhile, President Ruto’s Western Kenya tour will culminate on Friday, January 24.
ALSO READ:
- Details Revealed Of Ruto’s 3-Day Visit To Italy
- Bungoma Governor Forced To Reshuffle Cabinet After Court Ruling
- “Ruto’s Directive Saved Fuel Prices!” – Wandayi Claims Despite Public Outcry
- Ruto CSs Make Flurry Of Appointments As Attorney General Picks Governor Kilonzo
- Outrage After 25-Year-Old Man Dies In Police Custody
The President recognized this new situation as a familiar one, having been caught in a similar difficult circumstance on December 29 in Bomet County.
Following a church service, the president spoke to locals in the presence of many dignitaries, including Bomet Governor Hillary Barchok.
However, Bomet locals expressed their dislike for the governor.
They were happy throughout Ruto’s speech, but when the President offered Barchok the opportunity to address them, their demeanour altered dramatically.
Western Governor Heckled, Chased Off Dias While With Ruto
