Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu sparked debate when he appeared on Citizen TV’s Day Break show and addressed the topic of Nyanza’s support for President William Ruto. Speaking directly to Jared Okello from the ODM party, Nyutu said clearly that the Mt. Kenya region has no problem with Nyanza or ODM choosing to support the president.
His words brought mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some people agreeing with him and others feeling offended by his examples.Nyutu explained that politics in Kenya is about interests, not emotions.
He said that political support can come from any region, and it is normal for alliances to shift depending on the political moment.
According to him, there is no reason for Mt. Kenya leaders or anyone else to complain when Nyanza chooses to work with President Ruto. He emphasized that such moves are part of political strategy, not betrayal or weakness.While making his point, Nyutu mentioned former President Uhuru Kenyatta as an example.
He claimed that Uhuru was rejected in his own region of Mt. Kenya and then went to Nyanza where he received a warm welcome. “When someone is rejected at home, they often seek refuge elsewhere,” he said.
This remark led to strong opinions online. Some people praised Nyutu for being honest and straightforward, while others saw his words as a disrespectful attack on the former president.
The mention of Uhuru stirred emotions, especially among his supporters who felt the comment was unnecessary.Jared Okello replied by saying that ODM’s support for President Ruto, or any engagement with the government, is based on issues and the needs of the people.
He said Nyanza leaders are not looking for sympathy or trying to please anyone but are focused on development and ensuring their region gets what it deserves. He warned that such engagement should not be misunderstood or politicized.
The exchange between Nyutu and Okello shows how Kenya’s political ground is shifting ahead of the 2027 elections. ODM has always had strong support in Nyanza, but recent signs of cooperation between the party and Ruto’s government have raised questions.
Some people think it is a smart move that can bring development, while others believe it might cause divisions within the party.What was clear from the discussion is that regional politics in Kenya are changing. Leaders are now more focused on results and interests rather than fixed loyalty.
Nyutu’s comments, though controversial to some, reflect this new political thinking where leaders seek influence where they are accepted, and support can come from anywhere in the country.
