Oburu made the remarks while welcoming the president during the fifth Piny Luo Cultural Festival held in Migori County on Thursday, December 17. His speech, delivered partly in Dholuo, drew strong reactions from the crowd.
The ODM leader said fishermen from Migori and Homa Bay counties face constant danger while carrying out their work on the lake.
The ODM leader said fishermen from Migori and Homa Bay counties face constant danger while carrying out their work on the lake.
According to Oburu, some are killed during confrontations on the water, while others are arrested across the border and subjected to mistreatment.
He accused a neighbouring country of illegally arresting and torturing Kenyan fishermen, calling on the national government to intervene through diplomacy.
“Mr President, our people are suffering. Some fishermen lose their lives on the lake because of insecurity. Others are arrested and taken across the border, where they are mistreated. This matter needs urgent attention,” Oburu said.
He added that Lake Victoria should be shared peacefully and cooperatively, noting that communities around Migori, including the Suba and Kuria, live together as one people and depend on the lake for survival.
Despite his strong message, Oburu thanked President Ruto for attending the cultural event and acknowledged his visit as a sign of unity and development.
He asked the crowd to warmly welcome the president, saying leadership should focus on bringing people together rather than dividing them.
Ruto responds, speaks Dholuo
In his response, President Ruto greeted residents in Dholuo, drawing cheers from the crowd. He emphasised unity and cooperation, recalling discussions he previously held with the late former prime minister Raila Odinga about working together for national development.
Ruto said Kenya must move forward without discrimination and ensure all regions benefit equally from government programmes.
The president announced several major infrastructure and economic projects for Migori County. Among the key promises was the construction of a pier at Muhuru Bay, which he said would boost fishing and trade.
Ruto revealed that KSh 1.7 billion has been allocated for road construction in Migori starting January 2026. One of the key projects is the Masara–Muhuru Bay Road, which is expected to improve transport and business.
He also announced KSh 350 million for the construction of a modern market in Muhuru Bay. The market will be part of a national programme to build 27 modern markets across the country.
“Our women deserve clean, safe places to do business, with water and electricity. That is how development will reach every family,” Ruto said.
The president further confirmed that a contractor has already been identified for the Muhuru Bay pier. He said construction will be completed within eight months, promising that the project will create jobs and improve livelihoods in the lakeside region.
Ruto concluded by saying that Nyatike constituency would mark the beginning of major transformation in Migori County.
He accused a neighbouring country of illegally arresting and torturing Kenyan fishermen, calling on the national government to intervene through diplomacy.
“Mr President, our people are suffering. Some fishermen lose their lives on the lake because of insecurity. Others are arrested and taken across the border, where they are mistreated. This matter needs urgent attention,” Oburu said.
He added that Lake Victoria should be shared peacefully and cooperatively, noting that communities around Migori, including the Suba and Kuria, live together as one people and depend on the lake for survival.
Despite his strong message, Oburu thanked President Ruto for attending the cultural event and acknowledged his visit as a sign of unity and development.
He asked the crowd to warmly welcome the president, saying leadership should focus on bringing people together rather than dividing them.
Ruto responds, speaks Dholuo
In his response, President Ruto greeted residents in Dholuo, drawing cheers from the crowd. He emphasised unity and cooperation, recalling discussions he previously held with the late former prime minister Raila Odinga about working together for national development.
Ruto said Kenya must move forward without discrimination and ensure all regions benefit equally from government programmes.
The president announced several major infrastructure and economic projects for Migori County. Among the key promises was the construction of a pier at Muhuru Bay, which he said would boost fishing and trade.
Ruto revealed that KSh 1.7 billion has been allocated for road construction in Migori starting January 2026. One of the key projects is the Masara–Muhuru Bay Road, which is expected to improve transport and business.
He also announced KSh 350 million for the construction of a modern market in Muhuru Bay. The market will be part of a national programme to build 27 modern markets across the country.
“Our women deserve clean, safe places to do business, with water and electricity. That is how development will reach every family,” Ruto said.
The president further confirmed that a contractor has already been identified for the Muhuru Bay pier. He said construction will be completed within eight months, promising that the project will create jobs and improve livelihoods in the lakeside region.
Ruto concluded by saying that Nyatike constituency would mark the beginning of major transformation in Migori County.
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